Microbiologist I or II (JR10015015)

About the role

The Water Microbiology Department within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) is seeking a Microbiologist I or II. The position alternates weekly between the Water Microbiology Department and the Media Department. In Water Microbiology, the incumbent performs routine and specialized analyses on drinking and surface water samples to protect public health and support water quality. In the Media Department, the incumbent prepares culture media for various departments throughout the organization, including both environmental and clinical sections. All work requires aseptic sample handling, accurate record‑keeping, and quality‑control/assurance procedures to meet regulatory and accreditation standards.

Location: 2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53718.

Key responsibilities

• Perform, interpret, and report microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or to determine sources of environmental contamination (20%).
• Prepare media for the various departments of WSLH (20%).
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders as needed (10%).
• Prepare specimens for scientific examination and analysis and/or ready the laboratory for accreditation audits/inspections (10%).
• Conduct biological research experiments employing quality control and quality assurance practices and adhering to regulatory standards (5%).
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and information‑management systems (5%).
• Isolate and maintain cultures of microorganisms from specimens and samples for identification and classification (5%).
• Support and/or train new employees, students, and other professional colleagues (5%).
• Participate in educational and outreach activities and other professional development (5%).
• Prepare, review, verify, and report test result data (10%).
• Propagate and maintain cell lines and cultures for microorganism isolation or assay procedures (5%).

Compensation

• Microbiologist I – UW‑Madison Salary Grade 19 – Minimum $51,000 per year.
• Microbiologist II – UW‑Madison Salary Grade 20 – Minimum $57,000 per year.
• Actual salary will be determined upon hire based on qualifications.

Required qualifications

• Successfully complete color‑screening test.
• Ability to lift 20 lb.
• Willingness to perform weekend and holiday work on a rotational basis (approximately one Saturday every 4‑6 weeks).

Preferred qualifications

• Knowledge of safe laboratory principles and practices.
• Experience with laboratory QA/QC.
• Aseptic techniques, including sterility checks and autoclaving.
• Procedures for identifying bacteria important to environmental and drinking‑water samples.
• Proficiency with LIMS and Microsoft Office applications.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate and organized records.
• Strong interpersonal, team, and customer‑service skills.

Education

• Microbiologist I – Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field (required). One year of laboratory experience preferred.
• Microbiologist II – Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree preferred) in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field. At least three years of laboratory experience, or an advanced degree with microbiological‑technique experience, required.

Schedule

Primary work hours are generally 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, with flexible start and end times. Weekend and possible holiday work occurs on a rotational basis, comprising approximately 2–3 hours on one Saturday every 4–6 weeks.

Contact information

For questions, contact Dan Makovec at hrstaff@slh.wisc.edu.