Microbiologist I/II

About the role

The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) Communicable Disease Division is seeking a Microbiologist I or Microbiologist II to join the Bacteriology Team. This position works under close supervision as a member of a team of 8 microbiologists, performing testing services within a microbiology laboratory including human, animal, and plant diagnostics, surveillance, screening, environmental monitoring, and forensic science.

Key responsibilities

• Manipulate patient and reference samples suspected or known to contain pathogens of public health significance, following test procedures for various assays to produce reliable results
• Enter specimen data and communications into the CDD Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), generate worksheets, and prepare laboratory reports
• Use aseptic technique to perform conventional microbiology culture methods as well as molecular diagnostic testing on patient specimens and microorganisms of public health significance
• Participate in ongoing quality control, assurance and improvement activities
• May participate in new method development, test costing, method evaluation, test validation, and writing of standard operating procedures (SOP)
• May provide occasional instruction to new staff, laboratorians, students, and medical personnel in laboratory procedures

Microbiologist I duties

• Isolate and maintain cultures of microorganisms from specimens and samples for identification and classification – 10%
• Conduct biological research experiments employing quality control and quality assurance practices and adhering to regulatory standards and requirements – 10%
• Prepare specimens for scientific examination and analysis and/or prepare the laboratory for accreditation audits/inspections – 10%
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders as needed – 5%
• Perform, interpret, and report microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or determine sources of contamination in the environment – 35%
• Propagate and maintain cell lines and cultures for microorganism isolation or assay procedures – 5%
• Participate in educational and outreach activities and other professional development – 5%
• Prepare, review, verify, and report test result data – 10%
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and information management systems – 10%

Microbiologist II duties

• Isolate and maintain cultures of microorganisms from specimens and samples for identification and classification – 10%
• Propagate and maintain cell lines and cultures for microorganism isolation or assay procedures and lead procedural laboratory biological risk assessments – 5%
• Perform, interpret, and report microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or determine sources of contamination in the environment – 20%
• Prepare specimens for scientific examination and analysis of highly complex assays and/or prepare the laboratory for accreditation audits/inspections – 15%
• Develop and conduct biological or environmental research experiments, perform routine quality reviews and root cause or risk analysis, and implement a plan of action to resolve issues employing quality control and quality assurance practices and adhering to regulatory standards and requirements – 5%
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and information management systems. May work with vendors in equipment service, troubleshooting and supplier issues – 10%
• Prepare, review, verify, and report test result data – 15%
• Establish and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and communicate research updates – 5%
• Support and/or train new employees, students, and other professional colleagues – 5%
• Participate in educational and outreach activities and other professional development – 5%
• Support new test development and validation studies and assist in bringing new technologies to the work unit with assistance – 5%

Qualifications

WSLH clinical services are certified through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) and accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Candidate must meet 42 CFR 493.1489 Standard Testing Personnel qualifications for High Complexity Testing.

Experience

• Microbiologist I: 0–2 years previous experience, or equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job
• Microbiologist II: 2+ years previous relevant work experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job; 2+ years’ work experience in a clinical laboratory setting performing high complexity clinical testing (preferred)

Education

At minimum, a Bachelor of Science degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution is required. An official (or copy of an official) transcript showing conferred degree will be required as a condition of employment. For degrees earned outside of the United States, proof of qualification equivalency is required and must be performed by a nationally recognized organization such as NACES or AICE.

Additional requirements

• Must be able to visually distinguish colors; a color vision screening test is required prior to an offer of employment

Pay

• Microbiologist I: Minimum $52,900/year
• Microbiologist II: Minimum $57,000/year
• Title and salary determined upon hire based on experience; actual pay determined at hire based on experience and qualifications

Schedule

• On-site at 2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53718
• 7:45–4:30, Monday through Friday
• Occasional weekend, holiday, and public health emergency response work required

Benefits

• Generous paid time off
• Competitively priced health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Tax-advantaged savings accounts
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund

How to apply

Click the "Apply Now" button and upload the following documents into the single attachment field: a current resume and a cover letter addressing your qualifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities, or a past experience that would support your success in the role. Application reviewers will evaluate your resume and cover letter to identify qualified applicants who will advance in the recruitment process.

WSLH does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the Employment Eligibility Form I-9. The selected applicant must pass a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment.

For questions, please contact Kelsey Bailey at kelsey.bailey@slh.wisc.edu.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.