Microbiologist (VRDL)

The California Department of Public Health Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL) provides laboratory support, technical assistance, and research required for the diagnosis, investigation, and control of viral diseases and for the development and maintenance of high quality local viral laboratory services in California. This full-time Microbiologist, under the general supervision of the Supervisor of the Zoonotic and Vectorborne Diseases Section will be experienced in and receive training to utilize cross-cutting technologies to perform clinical diagnostic testing and improve laboratory testing capabilities with a focus on enzootic and emerging arboviral and zoonotic diseases of high consequence. The position is in Richmond, CA.

Please provide a resume and three professional references.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform, interpret, and report complex clinical diagnostic and surveillance testing for viruses by direct viral detection, including specialized cell culture procedures, fluorescent labeled antibody assays, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), sequencing, enzymatic-based assays; measurement of host immune response by fluorescent labeled antibody and neutralization assays according to VRDL standard operating procedures.
• Participate in the development, evaluation, and application of highly specialized procedures for detection of viral antigens (or antibodies) in clinical specimens, including immunofluorescence assays, improved virus isolation procedures, PCR-based technologies and other molecular assays, and neutralization tests.
• Train technical staff, local public health laboratory staff, and microbiologist trainees in procedures and tests developed to ensure competency in performance of complex and standard assays.
• Maintain records of patient specimens and test results for virus detection, serology and special studies. Maintain electronic databases of laboratory results.
• Analyze test results using electronic spreadsheets and databases to establish performance specifications of assays. Review and interpret complex data and quality control results.
• Maintain protocols and quality control procedures.
• Follow safety and quality control procedures in the handling of hazardous biological and chemical materials, and in the maintenance of laboratory equipment and reagents.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintain knowledge of primary scientific literature in both zoonotic and vectorborne diseases as well as advances in diagnostic laboratory technologies.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports and manuscripts for publication.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to perform:
  • Sterile technique and universal safety precautions for working with potential infectious clinical specimens; and
  • Micromanipulations, such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory equipment.
• Attention to detail and application of laboratory safety practices.
• Working knowledge of and experience with viral immunoserological and/or molecular diagnostic assays, required.
• Experience in cell culture and molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction and sequencing, highly desirable

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a biological science, with course work in chemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology, required.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• Public Health Microbiologist certification, is preferred, but not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand: Frequently
• Walk: Frequently
• Sit: Frequently
• Handling / Fingering: Occasionally
• Reach Outward: Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
• Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
• Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
• See: Constantly
• Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

KEY

Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions

Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General laboratory setting, indoors, temperature controlled

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)