Microbiologist I/II (JR10014741)

About the Role

The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) Communicable Disease Division (CDD) 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

• Isolates and maintains cultures of microorganisms from specimens and samples for identification and classification
• Conducts biological research experiments employing quality control and quality assurance practices and adhering to regulatory standards and requirements
• Prepares specimens for scientific examination and analysis and/or prepares the laboratory for accreditation audits/inspections
• Communicates with internal and external stakeholders as needed
• Performs, interprets, and reports microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or determine sources of contamination in the environment
• Propagates and maintains cell lines and cultures for microorganism isolation or assay procedures
• Participates in educational and outreach activities and other professional development
• Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data
• Operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation and information management systems

Additional Duties

• Manipulation of patient and reference samples suspected or known to contain pathogens of public health significance, following test procedures for various assays to produce reliable results
• Entering specimen data and communications into the CDD Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), generating worksheets, preparing laboratory reports and performing other routine laboratory activities as needed
• 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, writing of standard operating procedures (SOP) and the occasional instruction of new staff, laboratorians, students and medical personnel in laboratory procedures

Microbiologist II Additional Responsibilities

In addition to the above, Microbiologist II performs, develops, evaluates, and prepares testing services and leads procedural laboratory biological risk assessments.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution
• Must meet 42 CFR 493.1489 Standard; Testing Personnel qualifications, High Complexity Testing
• Must be able to visually distinguish colors (color vision screening test required prior to offer)
• Microbiologist I: 0-2 years previous experience, or equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience
• Microbiologist II: 2+ years previous relevant work experience; 2+ years' work experience in a clinical laboratory setting performing high complexity clinical testing preferred
• For degrees earned outside of the United States, proof of qualification equivalency is required from a nationally recognized organization (NACES or AICE)

Schedule

On-site at 2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53718. Work hours are 7:45-4:30, Monday through Friday with occasional weekend, holiday and public health emergency response work required.

Compensation

Minimum Salary for Microbiologist I: $52,900/year. Minimum Salary for Microbiologist II: $57,000/year. Actual pay is determined at hire and is based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.