Microbiology Training Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Technology III

The Microbiology Program includes two analytical units: Environmental Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology. This program provides accurate, timely testing to support environmental monitoring, patient diagnosis and management, and investigations of communicable disease outbreaks. The Clinical Microbiology unit focuses on detecting and identifying microorganisms of public health importance in clinical specimens. It supports patient diagnosis and treatment decisions, conducts routine surveillance to supply regional data to the CDC and local public health partners, and maintains cross-training capacity to scale testing and support other program units as needed.

This position performs high-complexity testing of human specimens to detect, identify, and characterize microorganisms of public health importance. It uses culture-based, molecular, and serotyping methods to identify pathogens while adhering to strict quality assurance and control standards in accordance with CLIA guidelines. The role requires expertise in aseptic technique, decontamination, specimen and chemical handling, infectious diseases, and operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments. As a Technologist III, this position is also responsible for the training of additional staff and cross-training to assist the unit as needed. Strong critical thinking is essential to troubleshoot testing issues. The position also involves regular communication with customers and epidemiologists to advise on specimen requirements and to assist with result interpretation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply specialized Microbiological knowledge to perform analytical testing techniques in order to identify pathogenic microorganisms in clinical and surveillance specimens.
• Facilitate the execution of the test assays and perform initial review and secondary review of assay results.
• Perform high-complexity analytical testing, ensuring that all quality requirements and parameters are met in order to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Independently perform laboratory duties to support general laboratory operations within the Microbiology Program.
• Maintain supply inventory and restock the work unit areas to allow for uninterrupted testing activities.
• Notify the unit supervisor of any issues that arise regarding quality assurance/quality control.

Residency Requirement: This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description: C8D3XX Laboratory Technology III

Minimum Qualifications: Six (6) years of relevant experience in a laboratory setting conducting high-complexity testing and performing diagnostic, research or regulated microbiological testing (e.g., CLIA, FDA, ISO) or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position. Or a combination of related education in science, biological science (e.g., microbiology, food microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry) or closely related education and/or relevant experience in a laboratory setting conducting high-complexity testing and performing diagnostic, research or regulated microbiological testing (e.g., CLIA, FDA, ISO) or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to six (6) years.

Preferred Qualifications: Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent, knowledge of microbiology and molecular biology concepts, principles, and theories and their practical applications, experience performing the diagnosis and screening of infectious diseases, knowledge of and use of laboratory equipment such thermocyclers, autoclaves, and automated sample preparation equipment, experience or training using instruments for microbe identification via mass spectrometry, knowledge of laboratory testing procedures and instrumentation, equipment maintenance skills, operation monitoring skills, excellent customer service skills, ability to communicate both orally and in writing with a wide range of customers, knowledge of generally accepted laboratory QA/QC procedures, knowledge of spreadsheet, database and word processing applications, excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills, excellent planning and organizing skills, excellent analytical skills.

Conditions of Employment: A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process. Critical Status: Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place. Critical Status: be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place. TRAVEL: Conferences may require overnight stays. Required COVID vaccination. On-Site position. Shift Work Required: Occasional Saturday Duties. Physical Demands.

Appeal Rights: An applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website at CO State Personnel Board Forms and Filing.

A complete application packet must include: Completed State of Colorado application. If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application. If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process: All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications. A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

E-Verify: CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

ADAAA Accommodations: The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.