Microbiologist I or II (JR10015265)

About the role

The Water Microbiology Department within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) is seeking a Microbiologist I or II. WSLH is part of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health at UW–Madison and serves as the state’s primary public, environmental, and occupational health laboratory. Founded in 1903, WSLH advances public and environmental health while carrying forward the Wisconsin Idea. This position performs routine and specialized analyses on drinking and surface water samples to protect public health and support water quality. Routine testing under the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act involves testing samples for total coliforms and E. coli using enzymatic methods, with results logged and reported through a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Specialized analyses include culture techniques, microscopy, MALDI‑TOF mass spectrometry, and molecular methods such as PCR. This position will also play a role in advancing Microbial Source Tracking (MST), a rapidly evolving field that uses a variety of techniques to help identify sources of contamination. Experience with molecular assay design and next‑generation sequencing is preferred. This role requires that the employee handles water samples following established procedures, keeps accurate records, and performs quality control and assurance functions to ensure regulatory and accreditation compliance. This position resides within the Environmental Health Division of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) and is located at 2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53718.

Responsibilities

• Propagates and maintains cell lines and cultures for microorganism isolation or assay procedures - 5%
• Isolates and maintains cultures of microorganisms from specimens and samples for identification and classification - 5%
• Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data - 15%
• Operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation and information management systems - 5%
• Participates in educational and outreach activities and other professional development - 5%
• Conducts biological research experiments employing quality control and quality assurance practices and adhering to regulatory standards and requirements - 5%
• Supports and/or trains new employees, students, and other professional colleagues - 5%
• Prepares specimens for scientific examination and analysis and/or prepares the laboratory for accreditation audits/inspections - 5%
• Communicates with internal and external stakeholders as needed - 5%
• Performs, interprets, and reports microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or determine sources of contamination in the environment - 30%
• Performs molecular testing for potable and non‑potable samples, including those for research and development purposes - 15%

Requirements

• Successfully complete color screening test
• Be able to lift 20 lbs
• Perform weekend and holiday work on a rotational basis, approximately one Saturday each 4‑6 weeks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Safe laboratory principles and practices
• Effective use of quality principles and tools
• Aseptic techniques including sterility checks and sterilization techniques
• Procedures used to identify bacteria important to environmental and drinking water samples
• Molecular methods for water quality indicators and pathogens, such as PCR and sequencing
• Computer use for LIMS, Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to maintain accurate and organized records
• Exceptional interpersonal, team and customer service skills

Education

Microbiologist I: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Science or 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 related field. At least three years of laboratory experience or advanced degree with microbiological techniques experience required.

Pay

Microbiologist I: UW‑Madison Salary Grade 19 – Minimum Salary of $51,000/year

Microbiologist II: UW‑Madison Salary Grade 20 – Minimum Salary of $57,000/year

Schedule

Primary work hours are generally 8:00 A.M. to 4:45 P.M., Monday through Friday, with flexible start and end times. Weekend and holiday work on a rotational basis, approximately one Saturday every 4–6 weeks (about 2–3 hours).