Overview
Job Description and Duties
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by providing public health laboratory testing to identify and characterize microbial pathogens and support outbreak investigations.
Under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor I (RSSI) (Microbiologist) of the Bacterial Diseases Section (BDS), Reference Bacteriology Unit, the Public Health Microbiologist II (PHM II) assists the Unit Supervisor in planning daily laboratory work; uses specialized conventional and molecular methods, develops and applies complex, non-standardized analyses; contributes to and follows quality assurance procedures; and performs other functions typical of a State reference laboratory such as providing limited technical consultation to local public health and clinical laboratorians, directors, physicians and officials of other State, local, and private agencies. The PHM II is primarily involved in identification and characterization of a variety of bacterial organisms, including drug resistant bacteria (e.g. carbapenem-resistant organisms, CRO), and assists with coordinating specimen send-out to reference laboratories and triage test reports. The incumbent will also provide coverage for CRO and Neisseria gonorrhoeae antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST).
The candidate is expected to have advanced laboratory knowledge and skills to perform the duties of this position, including culture inoculation, use of conventional microbiological methods and bacterial staining techniques, ability to use a pipette, demonstration of good aseptic technique, knowledge and understanding of basic operation of general laboratory equipment, and demonstration of safe laboratory practices when handling infectious / hazardous materials. Work is performed in a Biological Safety Level (BSL)-2 laboratory; demonstration of safe BSL-2 practices is required. For assigned molecular testing responsibilities, including PCR and sequencing, the PHM II must demonstrate good laboratory technique to avoid contamination or other test errors, basic knowledge of molecular methods and troubleshooting, and ability to work with various computer software applications to analyze results.
About The 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.
