Microbiologist

How To Apply

Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application.Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.

Position Summary

This is professional public health laboratory work in the study, isolation and identification of microorganisms utilizing bacteriological, virological, or serological techniques.

An employee in this class uses bacterial culture and routine diagnostic methods and procedures to isolate and identify bacterial organisms in clinical and other specimens. Senior microbiologists may act as a team leader in making daily work assignments to lower-level microbiologists and technicians coordinating their work and performing a variety of minor administrative functions to insure the effective functioning of the group. Work is performed in accordance with established and standardized methods and procedures. Supervision is received from a higher-level supervisor or administrator through frequent review of test results, re-tests, and observation of work in process.

Overview

Fringe Benefits

• Paid holidays, personal days, vacation and sick leave benefits, medical coverage and dental benefits, a retirement plan, life insurance and a deferred compensation plan after eligibility requirements have been met.
  
  
  

Perks Working for ACHD

• Professional growth through training opportunities (CPR, First AID, Public Health Preparedness, Dignity and Respect, Points of Dispensing, and more); ability to advance in county system; job security; meaningfulness in daily work derived from public service; eligible for federal loan forgiveness; organizational commitment to ACHD’s mission to protect, promote, and preserve the health and well-being of all Allegheny County residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
  
  
  

Duties

• Cultures, examines and assists in identifying microorganisms in dairy, water and samples submitted by food establishment inspection personnel and specimens derived from the human body and other sources.
• Prepares smears and stains slides of specimens and performs microscopic examinations to determine presence of pathogenic bacterial and other microorganisms.
• Determines the presence of pathogenic organisms in specimens connected with food poisoning cases and from specimens derived from the human body.
• Sets up and reads results of approved methodologies in determining the presence of bacteria, virus, or microorganisms.
• Prepares culture media, solutions, reagents and indicators used in the identification of bacterial and other microorganisms, tests media for sterility and fitness for suitability in detection in viable organisms.
• Prepares, cleans, and sterilizes reusable glassware.
• Maintains records and makes reports of the work in progress or accomplished.
• Employs tissue culture techniques, inoculating established cell lines, with specimens derived from the human or animal body to determine the presence of virus, also inoculates eggs and laboratory test animals to detect their presence.
• Participates on the laboratory procedures and process improvement teams.
• Performs necropsy on animal cadavers for zoonotic diseases.
• Performs fluorescent antibody tests including tests of animals for detection of rabies.
• Conducts studies of new and revised tests and procedures and makes recommendations as to effectiveness.
• Recommends to the laboratory supervisor the addition of or change in equipment, staff, and new or revised tests or procedures.
• Responds to Public Health emergencies as assigned by the Health Department.
• Performs other duties as required or requested.
  
  
  

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The use, operation, and care of microbiological laboratory equipment.
• The basic principles of the life sciences.
• Current developments in the field of microbiology.
• The principles, methods, and practices of microbiology
• Cultural examination and diagnostic methods of immunoserology, virology and microbiology.
  
  
  

Skill In

• Laboratory Equipment
• Data Entry
• Documentation
• Report Writing
• Office Management
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Emergency Preparedness
• Public Health
• Microsoft Office
  
  
  

Ability To

• Perform microbiological examination and serological and virological tests.
• Perform extended microscopic work requiring normal color perception.
• Work with specimens derived from a human body or animal.
• Perform microbiological, serological, and virological tests.
• Work with specimens derived from the human and animal bodies.
• Respond to public health emergencies.
  
  
  

Residency: Allegheny County within 1 year.

Veterans' Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D