Microbiologist

Overview

Protect public health. Strengthen food safety. Make a statewide impact.

 

Join the Public Health Laboratories (PHL), where your work directly supports the health and safety of every Washingtonian. As a Microbiologist, you’ll help detect and track pathogens that cause foodborne illness, water contamination, and infectious disease. This is essential, hands-on lab work that helps prevent outbreaks and ensures the food, water, and environment in our state are safe.

 

The ideal candidate is a curious and detail-oriented microbiologist who thrives in a hands-on lab setting and takes pride in work that protects public health. They bring strong technical skills in microbiological testing using both culture-based and molecular methods and have a commitment to quality, accuracy, and safety. They enjoy working collaboratively, solving problems with a scientific mindset, and continuously learning new techniques to improve testing and outbreak response.

 

What You’ll Do

 

In this role, you’ll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven laboratory team performing testing and analysis in the Enteric Bacteriology, Food & Shellfish Bacteriology, and Parasitology sections. Your day-to-day work will include:
Conducting culture-based and molecular testing (PCR, EIA) to identify pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Vibrio, and others
Preparing and processing samples from food, shellfish, and clinical sources for surveillance and outbreak investigations.
Maintaining quality standards through equipment calibration, quality control, and accurate documentation.
Assisting with validation of new testing methods and technologies to keep the lab at the forefront of public health science.
Supporting statewide food safety monitoring programs and collaborating with partners such as the FDA, epidemiologists, and local health jurisdictions.
Why You’ll Love It Here

Impact: Every test you perform helps detect and stop the spread of illness across the state.
Mission: Work that directly supports DOH’s goal to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington.
Collaboration: Join a dedicated team of scientists who value precision, integrity, and continuous learning.
Innovation: Contribute to new methods and emerging technologies that shape the future of public health testing
Purpose-Driven Environment: Your skills in the lab will make a measurable difference in community well-being.
This position is on-site at the Washington State Public Health Laboratories, where you’ll work in a modern facility designed for safety, accuracy, and collaboration.

 

We value all relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. You must meet at least ONE of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. While “Preferred Experience” is not required, these skills or experiences can help you stand out as a candidate.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Microbiologist 1:

Option 1: Two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory including 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses – OR – 24 semester hours of science courses that include six (6) semester hours of chemistry, six (6) semester hours of biology, and twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination
AND

Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria: Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS – OR – At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent performs high complexity testing.

Option 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, WHICH INCLUDES 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms.

 

Microbiologist 2:

Option 1: Four (4) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory including 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses – OR – 24 semester hours of science courses that include six (6) semester hours of chemistry, six (6) semester hours of biology, and twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination
AND

Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria: Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS – OR – At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent performs high complexity testing.

Option 2:  Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, WHICH INCLUDES 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms; AND two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory.

A Master’s degree in the aforementioned areas will substitute for one (1) year of experience.
A PhD in the aforementioned areas will substitute for two (2) years of experience.
**Employees will advance to Microbiologist 2 level after completing two (2) years of satisfactory service as a Microbiologist 1.