Overview
Job Description and Duties
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by providing technical expertise in all aspects of botulism diagnostic testing as part of the High Risk Pathogens Section. Under the direction of the Botulism Reference Unit Chief, the Public Health Microbiologist Specialist (PHM Spec) retains proficiency and competency in botulism testing to perform high complexity testing; performs, interprets, and reports appropriate tests on diagnostic, reference, and environmental specimens; conducts and reviews quality control procedures; supports training technical and professional personnel in developing procedures; assists in preparing data for publication; directs work of laboratory assistants and technicians; performs other related work. May be delegated technical or general Clinical Laboratory Improvements Act (CLIA) supervisory responsibilities over diagnostic testing, if qualified.
Under general supervision of the Botulism Reference Unit’s Public Health Microbiologist supervisor, the PHM Spec will carry out scientific research studies of moderate to complex scope on botulism. Research goals are: to improve methods for detecting and identifying botulism-causing bacteria and botulinum toxin; to support improved laboratory investigations of infectious disease outbreaks; and to improve methods to prevent adult and infant botulism.
The PHM Spec has knowledge of microbiological principles including, but not limited to, bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, and serology. In addition, the PHM Spec is proficient in: techniques, equipment, and terminology used in the laboratory for the detection and identification of disease agents; quality control procedures applicable to the field of microbiology; bacteriological principles, techniques, and terminology used in the examination of food, water and clinical specimens; principles; techniques and terminology used in immunology; the methods of transmission and control of communicable diseases; laboratory scientific resource material; and care of laboratory equipment.
The attached duty statement indicates whether this position is eligible for telework. All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200, and may be required to report to a CDPH office, when needed. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.
About California Department of Public Health
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The Department's programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor to the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our Shared Vision
CDPH public health professionals, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and other staff members have a shared vision to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We are dedicated to public service and passionate about our work and the people and communities we serve and protect.
