Assistant Microbiologist

SUMMARY
The position is funded by CDC's Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) cooperative agreement. It is administered by Heluna Health which is a non-profit public health research organization. ELC supports state, local, and territorial health departments to improve laboratory capacity which supports public health laboratory testing, surveillance and reporting.
Under the general supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor I, the Assistant Microbiologist works within the Mycobacterial Drug Susceptibility and Mycology Unit of the Mycobacterial, Mycotic & Parasitic Diseases Section, Microbial Diseases Laboratory. The Assistant Microbiologist is responsible for the regular shipments of the Candida auris isolates to the ARLN laboratory regional laboratory as a part of Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (ARLN) surveillance activities and performs all duties associated with this function. The Assistant Microbiologist will provide support for shipping patient swab collection kits to healthcare facilities, receiving specimens from submitters, freezing C. auris isolates, and shipping cultures for reference testing to a Regional ARLN laboratory. The Laboratory Microbiologist may perform supervised quality control for reagents and media, equipment monitoring and maintenance, as well as assists in the tasks pertaining to fungal detection and identification.
If hired for this position, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your start date or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require an accommodation).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Coordination with submitters on shipping of collection swab kits to the collection facilities and receiving patient specimens for testing.
Maintaining inventory, preparation, and shipment of collection kits to submitters.
Specimen receipt and data entry for laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and other databases.
Preparation of specimens and isolates for storage, maintenance of culture collection and database.
Shipping of confirmed auris cultures to a reference laboratory for testing.
Preparation and quality control testing of media and reagents.
Autoclaves, disinfects, and disposes of contaminated materials and infectious agents.
Maintains inventory and accurate records of laboratory supplies.
Equipment monitoring and maintenance.
Assist with fungal detection and characterization.
Assists in the preparation of purchase requests and tracks orders.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working with infectious agents in a microbiology laboratory setting.
Experience with routine molecular and culture methods.
Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
Knowledge of sterile technique and universal precautions for working with bacterial pathogens.
Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, email).
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings.
Ability to complete projects in a timely manner.
Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals.
Demonstrated attention to detail.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university with course work in chemistry, microbiology, medical microbiology and molecular biology is required.
Experience using a PC and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Capacity to work independently or in a team environment.
Ability to complete projects in a timely manner and multitask.
Demonstrated attention to detail.
Certificates/Licenses/Clearances
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 25 lbs.
Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs.
See Constantly
Hear Occasionally
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
Laboratory setting, indoor and airflow and 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.
Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThe 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)