THIS RECRUITMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Why join Contra Costa Health Services?

The Health Services Department (HSD) has an excellent opportunity for individuals with experience performing bacteriological, parasitological, serological, and virological examinations. Applications are being accepted to fill two Public Health Microbiologist – Project positions located in Martinez, CA. 

Project positions are exempt from classified service and work in State and/or Federally funded project positions administered by Contra Costa County. This position is funded through the CARES Act for COVID-19 and is for a limited term based on funding. You may be released from employment once the funding ceases. 

HSD’s Public Health Lab examines and records results for the control and prevention of infectious and communicable diseases. We provide critical services in response to COVID-19. These project positions will assist the lab in meeting the needs of the community!

This is an exciting time to join Contra Costa County!

 We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in molecular diagnostics, with emphasis in polymerase chain reaction
• Experienced working in a clinical or public health laboratory
• Comfortable with multi-tasking in a high-workload environment
• A team player!
• Familiar with various diagnostics instrumentation used in fields of Virology, Bacteriology and Immunology
• Experienced with handling and processing infectious disease specimens 
• Detail-oriented

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Prepares potential coronavirus specimens for analysis
• Reviews quality of clinical specimens submitted for analysis
• Analyze diagnostic assays and report patient results
• High-volume pipetting of patient specimens and test reagents
• Perform QC/QA measures and participate in assay troubleshooting when necessary
• Follow standard precautions and airborne precautions
• Maintain regular communication with technical supervisors and management
• Assist coworkers with day-to-day tasks for SARSCoV testing

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Your work will directly impact the community and the COVID-19 response effort
• You would gain additional knowledge about infectious organisms
• This would support your interest in future employment in a clinical laboratory or setting

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• The high-volume of testing creates a fast-past environment
• You must be attentive to details in order to deliver the best patient care
• You must be able to perform repetitive motions

Competencies Required:

• Adaptability – Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail – Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Handling Stress – maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional and Technical Expertise – Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Safety Focus – Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Professional Integrity and Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Oral Communication – engaging effectively in dialogue
• Analyzing and Interpreting Data – Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data

License Required: Possession of a valid certificate as a Public Health Microbiologist issued by the California State Department of Health.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Familiar with various diagnostics instrumentation used in fields of Virology, Bacteriology and Immunology
• Previous experience with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostics
• Previous experience analyzing patient specimens in a clinical/public health laboratory
• Experience troubleshooting molecular diagnostics.

1. Application Filing: All applicants must apply on-line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracostaand submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date.
2. Application Evaluation: Depending on the number of applications received, an Application Evaluation Board may be convened to evaluate and select the best-qualified candidates for invitation to the next phase of the examination.
3. Hiring Interview: Dates TBD