Microbiologist

Microbiologist Date Posted: Sep 10, 2024 Requisition ID: 448932 Location: Indianapolis, IN, US, 46202 Work for IndianaBegin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH): The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play. Role Overview: The microbiologist in this position will support the HIV, Hepatitis, Immunization and related public health programs of IDOH by performing serological surveillance and outbreak testing for Hepatitis, HIV, sexually transmitted infections (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea), arboviruses (West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis), and vaccine preventable diseases (measles and mumps). Other key testing functions in the Serology Lab include specimen receiving and results entry into the laboratory information system, reagent inventory monitoring, and data analysis. The microbiologist may be cross trained in other departments where they will maintain competency in other methods to serve as support during outbreak response by IDOH. The microbiologist will also be responsible for the documentation of all quality control and quality assurance associated with these assays in compliance with CLIA regulations. Salary Statement: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience. A Day in the Life: The essential functions of this role are as follows:

Conduct procedures of clinical specimens and/or reference samples/food samples/environmental samples for serological analysis or isolation and identification of micro-organisms or their antigens/nucleic acids.

Evaluate, interpret, and validate laboratory results and reports findings to the submitter.

Organize and plan identification schemes for examination of organisms not fitting regular schemes.

Evaluate quality control checks on laboratory methods, materials, and equipment.

Coordinate the preparation of media, reagents, stains, supplies and other materials used in the transport, examination, and analysis process.

Prepare epidemiological and statistical reports from data compiled on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis.

Development, preparation and updating of procedural manuals on methods, instrumentation, and quality assurance.

Participate in training programs as a planner or instructor at workshops and conferences for private and public laboratory personnel.

Initiate special research projects designed to test and improve microbiological methods and procedures.

Participate in testing evaluation of new products used in clinical/reference laboratory work.

Work with local laboratories and other health department staff to ensure their use of adequate materials, techniques, methods, and procedures.

May appear at legal proceedings as an expert witness.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. What You'll Need for Success: You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

A four (4) year degree (B.S. or B.A.) in a biological, chemical, or physical science. If the position will be working in an area that falls under CLIA-regulation, degree must meet the degree requirements for CLIA high-complexity testing personnel.

Two (2) years of testing experience that is relevant to the hiring area.

Thorough knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of microbiology and related sub-specialties.

Ability to meet requirements for personnel certification as a general supervisor pursuant to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988.

Thorough knowledge of, and the ability to apply, accepted or unprecedented laboratory problems.

Broad knowledge of, and ability to use, complex and specialized technical/scientific equipment and automated techniques of analysis.

Broad knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles.

Specialized knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies concerning the program area.

Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs.

Ability to compile, analyzes, evaluate and present laboratory data to physicians, veterinarians, public health staff and professional organizations.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana: The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities

Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match

Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

150 hours of paid new parent leave

Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

Education Reimbursement Program

Group life insurance

Referral Bonus program

Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Free Parking for most positions

Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [emailprotected] .

The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

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