Microbiologist-Supervisor (DOH/SLD#10112287)

Salary

$27.37 - $41.06 hourly
$56,931 - $85,396 annually

Posting Details

Interviews are anticipated within two (2) weeks of closing date.

About the Role

The Scientific Laboratory Division (SLD) is the sole public health, environmental, and drug laboratory for New Mexico. It conducts tests for infectious diseases, hazardous materials, pollutants, and substances in water, air, and milk. It also tests for alcohol and drugs in DWI cases and autopsy cases. The Biological Sciences Bureau tests for indigenous and exotic infectious disease pathogens of public health significance. The position serves to assist in tracking outbreaks, bringing in new methods, and responding to public health emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, perform, analyze, and troubleshoot sequencing methods, including next generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger, used for identification of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses in samples.
• Aid the supervisor to maintain the section’s documentation and compliance with CLIA/CAP and CDC regulations.
• Assist in maintaining inventory and submitting Purchase Orders to fiscal department.
• Work with supervisor and bioinformatician to ensure high quality sequencing results are produced.
• Write, review, and train on standard operating procedures for sequencing methods that will be developed.
• Manage 3-5 staff performing NGS and PCR assays.
• Aid in ensuring appropriate training of all staff in the section, including sequencing activities, at BSL2 and BSL3.
• Collaborate with state and federal partners to meet testing and surveillance needs for infectious diseases.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics, with preference for 5 years in a laboratory setting.
• Laboratory research experience with assay development, 5 years of PCR and NGS experience including 3-5 years of bacterial and/or viral genomics experience, and 1-3 years of bioinformatics experience including proficiency working in Linux command line.
• Regulated laboratory experience (e.g. CAP/CLIA/JC/COLA etc.).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in biological sciences with emphasis on chemistry, mathematics, and/or computer science and two (2) years experience in biology, microbiology, virology, parasitological, and/or molecular biology specialization in a laboratory setting.
• Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
• Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a fully functional laboratory containing biological, chemical, physical, and radiological hazards.
• Incumbent will be required to use all applicable safety equipment provided by the employer and follow all safety precautions specified by the employer.
• Laboratory work will mostly be performed in BSL2 conditions, but work at BSL3 will also be required.
• There will be extended standing, repetitive trunk/arm/hand/neck movements with computer usage or assay/methodologies utilized.
• Work involves using high voltage electronic instrumentation.

Supplemental Information

• Click here to learn more about Total Compensation.
• Contact Michael Edwards at (505) 383-9001 for information on Statutory Requirements for this position.
• This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.