DEDICATED TO STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND INDEPENDENCE OF IDAHOANS
- THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO BE CONSIDERED.*
The Idaho Bureau of Laboratories is seeking to fill a full-time permanent position for Microbiologist, Principal in Boise. This position will routinely handle and test various specimen types in a biosafety cabinet, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and adhere to safe laboratory practices. This position requires attentiveness and response to both routine and outbreak testing situations. Due to this nature, we are seeking a candidate who excels in a fast-paced team environment and can balance a workload while coordinating multiple priorities. Responsibilities include routine clinical testing, viral culture, nucleic acid extraction, reagent and media preparation, performing daily temperature and calibration checks on various lab devices, peer-review of submission form data for accuracy and communicating with stakeholders and laboratory clients. The incumbent will also perform necropsies on animals submitted for Rabies virus testing.
This position is not eligible for telework.
The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare is a drug-free workplace. Any applicant offered employment in this position at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test.
BENEFITS:
The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation and benefits package, including but not limited to:
- We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit at retirement.
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)
- Paid parental leave
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax (full-time/30+ hours per week)
- 2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre-tax and Roth options
- Deferred compensation plan
- Life insurance for self, spouse, and children
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Wide variety of training opportunities
- Some positions offer flexible hours and/or telecommuting
- Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
- Employee assistance program
Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here: https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:
- Performs high-complexity analyses on clinical and proficiency testing samples
- Interprets analytical results, creates data visualizations, and reports findings
- Uses, maintains, and evaluates performance of complex instrumentation, including thermocyclers, and automated extraction and liquid handling systems
- Assists Technical Supervisor with training laboratory personnel in laboratory methods, participates in proficiency testing, and operates laboratory information management systems
- Performs optimization and validation/verification of assays for emerging diseases and public health surveillance
- Assists Technical Supervisor with writing, and maintaining current Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manuals for existing and newly developed assays
- Consults with departments, agencies, laboratories and health professionals regarding testing and procedures and results interpretation
- Assists Technical Supervisor with the development of quality assurance objectives, collects quality control data, and monitors performance within a specialty area of the laboratory
- Maintains laboratory quality assurance documentation that is compliant with federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations
- Performs necropsies (i.e., extraction of brain tissue) on animal specimens submitted for Rabies Virus testing
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
You must possess all the minimum qualifications below to pass the exam for this position. Please make sure your resume or work history supports your meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Failure to do this may disqualify you from being considered for this position. It is highly recommended to attach a one-page cover letter to your application to demonstrate how you meet the requirements below.
- Completion of the core requirements for a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Medical Technology, Biology, or Chemistry AND approximately four years of journey level supervised laboratory experience OR completion of a Master's degree in Microbiology, Biology, or related science and three years' experience as above OR Experience or a combination of coursework and experience that represents the knowledge level above.
- Experience implementing laboratory procedures. Typically gained by at least one year laboratory experience (outside of college requirements) as a lead worker or laboratory project coordinator requiring the implementation of laboratory procedures.
- Experience calibrating, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining sophisticated laboratory equipment and instruments. Typically gained by at least one year laboratory experience (outside of college requirements) with a significant part of assigned duties calibrating, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining sophisticated laboratory equipment and instruments.
Below is preferred experience. It is not required for the position but applicants with this experience may receive consideration over other applicants.
- Experience with real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Typically gained by at least 6 months of experience performing rt-PCR and analyzing results. Special consideration will be given to candidates with experience performing analysis using ABI 7500 Fast or QuantStudioDx, 5, or 7 instruments.
- Experience with high-complexity testing in a CLIA certified laboratory. Typically gained by at least 6 months of experience performing high-complexity analysis in a clinical diagnostic laboratory.
- Willingness to receive pre-exposure Rabies Virus immunization to perform Rabies testing or provide proof of prior Rabies immunization.
Learn About a Career with DHW
If relocating to Idaho, the Department of Health & Welfare does not reimburse the cost of relocating and the department does not sponsor anyone with a work visa.
- PLEASE NOTE: application assistance is not available after the business hours listed below, on the weekends, or on holidays and you must apply before 4:59 pm on the closing date. When applying, use CHROME as your browser to avoid complications.
If you have questions, please contact us at:
Email is the quickest way to get an answer to your questions.
(answered Monday through Friday during business hours MST)
EMAIL: dhwjobs@dhw.idaho.gov
PHONE: (208) 334-0681
EEO/ADA/Veteran:
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.