Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) Looking for Microbiologist Lead Worker – Microbiology Section at Lansing, MI  Full Time

MPHI is a Michigan-based and nationally engaged, non-profit public health institute. We are a team of teams, process and content experts, dedicated to building A world where tomorrow is healthier than today!

Title: Microbiologist Lead Worker – Microbiology Section

$59,317.44 – $86,464.00 / Posted Thru: 9-29-22

Purpose: This position functions as a Lead Worker Microbiologist in the Microbiology section providing oversight of daily operations for the BioWatch staff. This position performs a variety of molecular (particularly PCR) and biological tests to rapidly identify and characterize the presence of pathogenic microorganisms/agents considered high hazard biological threats. This requires knowledge of sterile techniques, safe laboratory practices, and analytical methods. Autoclave sterilization of waste and media, along with preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment are also main functions of this position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assure that incoming specimens are recorded, processed, and triaged appropriately while maintaining “chain-of-custody”.
• Process environmental air filter samples to extract DNA.
• Apply knowledge of advanced molecular techniques and microbiological procedures to appropriately interpret and report the findings of the assays.
• Apply knowledge of the agents of bioterrorism, and biohazard regulations in the proper and safe handling of materials containing virulent and pathogenic disease agents and toxins.
• Maintain documentation on findings, protocols, training records, equipment inventory and maintenance, reagent quality control, and equipment and consumable orders.
• Ensure that reagents, supplies, and equipment are adequately maintained.
• Order consumable supplies per the needs of the program to maintain a minimum 3-month supply.
• Provide laboratory support for field responses and investigations as assigned by the supervisor.
• Work in other sections of the laboratory as directed, when assigned primary laboratory duties are completed.
• Train new and existing employees per BioWatch protocols as well as state laboratory protocols necessary to meet the needs of the state lab.
• Employ effective trouble shooting for a variety of issues as need arises, completing the appropriate documentation for corrective action as needed.
• Design and implement quarterly competency assessments for all BioWatch trained staff such that individuals demonstrate proficiency necessary for current procedures.
• Ensure external proficiency test samples are processed according to instructions and within allotted time.
• Participate in the hiring of new employees.
• Provide employees with performance objectives and evaluates performance according to State of Michigan schedule.
• Assist External and Internal Auditors of the program, making sure internal audits are performed on a timely basis.
• Responsible for 24 hour, 7 days a week coverage for laboratory responses during a BT event as directed by the supervisor.
• Required work on weekends and holidays.
• Routinely work past 5 p.m. and approximately 2 weekends per month, or as directed by the supervisor.
• Always represent the best interests of MDHHS and MPHI.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education: BS or BA in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years laboratory bench experience in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related clinical laboratory field. One year of management experience is preferred. Experience performing real-time PCR and working in a BSL-3 environment are desirable.

Important Skills and Characteristics:

• MUST be a United States citizen.
• Must pass a law enforcement background check.
• Requires registration with the CDC Select Agent Program and passing of a Department of Justice background check.
• Must have 20/20 vision (corrected).
• Requires the ability to pipette repetitively and work with small tubes.
• Knowledge of computer systems, methods, and applications, including word processing, statistical and data management software packages.
• High level of organization, with attention to detail.
• Creativity and flexibility with initiative to complete work in timely manner.
• Knowledge of the agents of bioterrorism.
• Knowledge of biohazard regulations in the proper and safe handling and transport of materials containing virulent and pathogenic disease agents and toxicants.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique as well as standard quality assurance measures.
• Knowledge of Chain-of-custody regulations and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Two-year bench experience in a laboratory performing molecular and/or microbiological assays (includes aseptic methods, BSL2 and BSL3 techniques).
• Skill in the use of laboratory instrumentation related to cellular and molecular biology.
• Skill in performing and interpreting the results of research or diagnostic PCR testing (includes Nucleic acid extraction methodology, set up and analyses of real time PCR assays, detection, and determination of DNA contamination events).
• Skill in the application of diagnostic laboratory principles and procedures.
• Skill in maintaining Quality Assurance and Quality Control documentation and organizational records to ensure adequate reagents and materials for 24/7 operation.
• Experience in a leadership role.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: An employee working within the laboratory is required to employ “universal precautions” utilizing personal protective equipment such as nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and lab coats. Work requires working within Biosafety cabinets (BSC) and fume hoods. Work requires repetitive pipetting, standing, bending, and lifting (limited to less than 40 pounds). Required to perform testing on highly pathogenic organisms. Works with centrifuges, incubators, water baths, steam autoclaves and other equipment, as necessary.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: Responsible for the oversight of 4 other members of the BioWatch staff in conjunction with the Microbiology unit managers and section manager.

IMPACT ON PROJECTS, SERVICES AND OPERATIONS: This person is a key member of the laboratory team. This person also ensures that the needs of the laboratory staff and external clients are met in a timely manner and maintains professional relationships. The lead worker will define assignment objectives, priorities, and deadlines. This person independently plans and carries out assignments and resolves problems in accordance with accepted practices. Completed work is reviewed for technical soundness, appropriateness, and conformance with policy and objectives.

REQUIRED COMMUNICATION

Contact Person/Group Frequency Purpose

Direct Supervisor Daily Direction / Leadership / Reporting

Fellow Staff Daily Collaboration / Daily schedule

External Partners As Needed Collaboration

“For purposes of employment standards, this classification is “Exempt” from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.”

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