Microbiologist (DOH/SLD #10951)

Salary: $22.62 - $33.93 hourly / $47,050 - $70,575 annually. This position is classified as Pay Band C5.

About the role

The Environmental Microbiology section is seeking a highly talented individual to assist with the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) Retail Meat Surveillance (RMS) study. This position is critical for ensuring the timely completion of the RMS study work and will also support microbiological testing of food, water, and dairy samples.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and collect RMS study samples according to grant study parameters.
• Conduct microbiological testing of RMS study samples, including culturing raw meat and seafood for selected bacterial pathogens using selective broth enrichment and isolation plate streaking, following standardized operating procedures.
• Maintain orderly hard copy and electronic records of sample demographics, purchasing documents, testing operations, and results.
• Support microbiological testing of food, water, and dairy samples.

Customers

Citizens of New Mexico, the New Mexico Department of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Epidemiology and Response Division, and the Centers for Disease Control.

Requirements

• Associate Degree in biological sciences with an emphasis on chemistry, mathematics, and/or computer science, plus two years of experience in biology, microbiology, virology, parasitology, and/or molecular biology in a laboratory setting.
• Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience totaling four years may substitute for the required education and experience.
• Capable of passing Department of Justice/Federal Bureau of Investigation (DOJ/FBI) security clearance for access to laboratories holding Select Agents, as defined by 42 CFR 73.
• Must obtain Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccinations.
• Able to differentiate colors, use sterile techniques, and demonstrate good manual dexterity.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and a current Defensive Driving Course certificate from the State of New Mexico or obtain one upon hire.
• In-state and out-of-state travel may be required.
• Successful completion of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training is required.

Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor’s Degree in biological sciences with an emphasis in Microbiology, Biology, or Chemistry.
• Two years of laboratory experience in conducting regulatory testing.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a fully functional laboratory containing biological, chemical, physical, and radiological hazards.
• Must use all applicable safety equipment and follow safety precautions specified by the employer.
• Extended standing, repetitive trunk/arm/hand/neck movements with computer usage or assay/methodologies.
• Involves using high-voltage electronic instrumentation and high-pressure gas cylinders.
• Ability to lift or push up to 50 lbs.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply.