Microbiologist 1/Microbiologist 2 DOH9006

About the role

This is a full-time onsite position at the Washington State Department of Health Public Health Laboratory in Shoreline, WA. One 7‑month temporary (non‑permanent) role and one permanent role are available, both at the Microbiologist 1 or Microbiologist 2 level depending on qualifications. The Microbiologist will join the Emergency Response Laboratory (LRN‑B/BioWatch) team, which conducts surveillance and diagnostic testing for high‑consequence pathogens, environmental testing 365 days a year to detect intentional biothreat releases, and emergency response testing in coordination with first responders, law enforcement, epidemiologists, and local health departments, including white‑powder analysis.

Responsibilities

• Sample preparation and processing – prepare environmental and clinical specimens for analysis; perform manual and automated DNA/RNA extraction, filter cutting, and specimen log‑in; survey suspicious packages as part of emergency response testing.
• Pathogen and toxin detection – perform culture‑based methods to detect and identify bacterial pathogens; use qPCR to detect and identify bacterial and viral pathogens; use Time Resolved Fluorescence and Mouse Bioassay to detect toxins; conduct MALDI‑TOF analysis to identify toxins; learn and apply new technologies and assays as assigned to address emerging disease threats.
• Quality assurance and lab operations – assist the lead with QC/QA activities (media and reagent QC, completed accurately and on schedule); maintain laboratory equipment through regular temperature monitoring, real‑time PCR platform calibration, and eyewash flushing; use MediaLab for document review and competency assessment; assist the lead(s) in training other microbiologists on pre‑analytical, analytical, and post‑analytical aspects.
• Data management, surge support, and special projects – enter submitter information and testing results into laboratory databases (StarLIMS, Access Reference Database, LRN Results Messenger); support surge events in other laboratory sections when needed; contribute to project work such as process improvement and method validation or verification.

Requirements

Candidates must meet one of the pathways below for the Microbiologist 1 or Microbiologist 2 level.

Microbiologist 1 Level

• Option 1: ≥2 years experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory plus 60 semester hours (or equivalent) from an accredited institution, which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses OR 24 semester hours of science courses that include 6 semester hours chemistry, 6 semester hours biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination; AND laboratory training meeting either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved/accredited by ASHES, CAHEA, or other HHS‑approved organization OR at least three months documented laboratory training in each specialty where high‑complexity testing is performed.
• Option 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, which includes ≥20 semester hours (or quarter‑hour equivalent