CASY-MSCCN Jobs

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks a Microbiologist to perform pre-analytical support activities for various laboratories in the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory (MA SPHL) as part of the Central Laboratory Support Services Department. The Microbiologist will be CLIA approved and be responsible to perform testing and reporting on microbiological, immunological and molecular assays. Duties include receiving, accessioning, and distributing specimens to appropriate locations; supporting testing laboratories by preparing and sterilizing culture media, chemicals and reagents; decontaminating, washing, and sterilizing laboratory glassware and supplies; operating laboratory and office equipment; maintain documentation for quality control records and inventory; providing support for Sendout testing to referral labs; providing customer service to internal and external customers and staff; complying with all safety and security protocols. Learn more about what it’s like to work at the State Public Health Lab. Please note: This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week. _Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):_ * Perform diagnostic testing and results reporting for testing laboratories. * Perform quality assurance responsibilities including equipment calibrations and verifications. * Receive, sort, record tracking information of specimens in LIMS system, and distribute specimens to appropriate testing laboratory. * Prepare, sterilize, and decontaminate media, reagents, and supplies in a timely manner for testing laboratory. * Decontaminate, wash, and sterilizes laboratory glassware and supplies. * Provides customer service to outside providers, couriers, and internal staff regarding inquiries about receipt of specimens, unlabeled or mislabeled specimens, distribution of environmental and clinical collection kits for testing. * Follow the quality management program requirements to ensure that all certification and accreditation requirements, including training and competency, are met. * Perform quality control activities including verification or validation, routine quality control. * Adheres to the laboratory's quality control policies and maintains records for all quality control activities performed. * Maintain laboratory equipment and report equipment problems according to procedures. * Comply with agency policy regarding safety, security, and protection in the working environment in accordance with the laboratory’s procedures and policies for biological, chemical, and radiologic agents as well as all regulatory agency standards/requirements. * Perform all laboratory work (e.g., testing procedures, safety protocols, quality assurance protocols) according to written standard operating procedures. * Participate in and respond to emergency events or non-conformance issues related to pre-analytical, analytical, or post-analytical activities. * Maintains records for all testing performed. * Performs other duties as determined by the Division Director/management in response to program needs: surge capacity for testing laboratories. * Identify and report problems with testing or other lab related issues to staff at a higher level. * Provider coverage in Central Lab Services – Specimen Receiving, Central Sendouts, Media Preparation, Glassware, and Specimen Kit Assembly. _Required Qualifications:_ * Knowledge of the concepts and theories of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology, including basic microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques (basic microbial culture techniques, aseptic techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays). * Awareness of quality assurance practices (e.g., equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency, following standard operating procedures) specific to microbiology, immunological, and molecular biology test methods in a diagnostic setting. * Ability to perform calculations, measurements, and unit conversion calculations. * Comprehension of the principles and polices governing professional ethics and rules of conduct. * Capacity to effectively and professionally communication both verbally and in writing and preparing concise technical reports. * Means to follow work instructions and either work independently or in a team environment. * Familiarity of laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to certification and accreditation requirements to meet regulatory requirements. * Ability to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents. _Preferred Qualifications:_ * Skill to explain the provisions of the laws, rules and regulations governing a microbiology laboratory. * Ability to explain the procedures, guidelines, policies governing assigned unit activities. _Working Conditions:_ * May work under hazardous conditions imposed by exposure to hazardous infectious agents and to the harmful effects of flammable substances, carcinogens, poisonous or toxic chemicals, gasses, and fumes. * May work within a biosafety level one through level three laboratory setting and be required to wear personal protective equipment commensurate with the safety risk. * May be required to work varied shifts, weekends, holidays, or nights. As part of the pre-hire process, you will be required to submit transcript(s) for review for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) verification process. If selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to submit an official transcript from each accredited academic institution to verify the above. Please note that we will be unable to move forward with your application for this position if you do not meet CLIA qualifications. * * _About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS):_ The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL). Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment. The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease. The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety. The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). _About the Department of Public Health:_ The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities. DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems. More information can be found at:* MA Department of Public Health__ * __ _Pre-Hire Process:_ A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4 First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have (A) at least two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, or academic research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory technology or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Based on assignment, applicants must meet related Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) requirements for High Complexity Testing. Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment. Substitutions: I. An Associate's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, or medical laboratory technology may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. II. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, medical laboratory technology or equivalent scientific field may substitute for the required experience. *Comprehensive Benefits* When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Science* *Organization: Department of Public Health *Title: *Central Laboratory Support Services Microbiologist Location: Massachusetts-Boston-305 South Street Requisition ID: 240004RW