Microbiology Technologist III.

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado.

About Us

At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

About the Role

The Microbiology Program includes two analytical units: Environmental Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology. This program provides accurate, timely testing to support environmental monitoring, patient diagnosis and management, and investigations of communicable disease outbreaks. The Clinical Microbiology unit focuses on detecting and identifying microorganisms of public health importance in clinical specimens. It supports patient diagnosis and treatment decisions, conducts routine surveillance to supply regional data to the CDC and local public health partners, and maintains cross-training capacity to scale testing and support other program units as needed.

This position performs high-complexity testing of human specimens to detect, identify, and characterize microorganisms of public health importance. It uses culture-based, molecular, and serotyping methods to identify pathogens while adhering to strict quality assurance and control standards in accordance with CLIA guidelines. The role requires expertise in aseptic technique, decontamination, specimen and chemical handling, infectious diseases, and operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments. As a Technologist III, this position is also responsible for the training of additional staff and cross-training to assist the unit as needed. Strong critical thinking is essential to troubleshoot testing issues. The position also involves regular communication with customers and epidemiologists to advise on specimen requirements and to assist with result interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Analytical Testing: Apply specialized Microbiological knowledge to perform analytical testing techniques to identify pathogenic microorganisms in clinical and surveillance specimens. Duties include:
  • Performing high-complexity analytical testing according to established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Ensuring all quality requirements and parameters are met to maintain regulatory compliance.
  • Documenting all testing activities, reviewing results, and evaluating assay acceptance criteria.
  • Reporting deviations to established methods and communicating with submitters or CDPHE partners to resolve specimen inquiries.
  • Performing initial and secondary review of assay results, with some duties delegated to a CLIA-defined Technical Supervisor.
• General Laboratory Duties: Independently perform laboratory duties to support general laboratory operations, including:
  • Routine maintenance of equipment and general laboratory cleaning and decontamination procedures.
  • Completing instrument calibration and maintenance logs.
  • Maintaining supply inventory and restocking work unit areas to ensure uninterrupted testing activities.
• Quality Assurance/Quality Control: Notify the unit supervisor of any issues regarding quality assurance/quality control and ensure all measures are completed according to the quality program at the Colorado State Public Health Laboratory.

Requirements

• This position is term-limited, with funding guaranteed only until 07/31/2027. The incumbent must be willing and able to resign on this date or when funds run out, whichever comes first.
• This is an onsite position located at 8100 E Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80230.
• Must be a resident of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
• Must be available in the event of an emergency (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak) and required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. Travel restrictions may be in place during such events.
• Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location.
• Required COVID vaccination.
• Occasional Saturday duties and shift work may be required.
• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience Only: Six (6) years of relevant experience in a laboratory setting conducting high-complexity testing and performing diagnostic, research, or regulated microbiological testing (e.g., CLIA, FDA, ISO).
• Education And Experience: A combination of related education in science, biological science (e.g., microbiology, food microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry), or closely related education and/or relevant experience in a laboratory setting conducting high-complexity testing and performing diagnostic, research, or regulated microbiological testing (e.g., CLIA, FDA, ISO) equal to six (6) years.

Note: Part-time work will be prorated. "See Resume" will not be accepted; experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent.
• Knowledge of microbiology and molecular biology concepts, principles, and theories and their practical applications.
• Experience performing the diagnosis and screening of infectious diseases.
• Knowledge of and use of laboratory equipment such as thermocyclers, autoclaves, and automated sample preparation equipment.
• Experience or training using instruments for microbe identification via mass spectrometry.
• Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures and instrumentation.
• Equipment maintenance skills (performing routine maintenance and determining maintenance needs).
• Operation monitoring skills (watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to ensure proper machine function).
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to communicate both orally and in writing with a wide range of customers.
• Knowledge of generally accepted laboratory QA/QC procedures.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet, database, and word processing applications.
• Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, planning, organizing, and analytical skills.

Benefits

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Retirement options through PERA (Defined Benefit Plan or Defined Contribution Plan), plus optional 401K and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off.
• Tuition assistance.
• Wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects.
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system.
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Physical Demands

• This role may require occasional shift work, including Saturdays.
• Must be able to perform duties in the event of an emergency or COOP activation, potentially under travel restrictions.