Job Abstract

SUMMARY

The California Emerging Infections Program (CEIP) is a program administered by Heluna Health which is a non-profit public health research organization. CEIP functions under cooperative agreements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are collaborative efforts involving the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health, and several local health departments.

Under the direction of the Supervising Microbiologist of the Bacterial Diseases Section, Microbial Diseases Laboratory of CDPH, the Microbiologist performs duties to support multiple surveillance projects conducted by CEIP. The duties include those associated the transportation of specimens for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and the receipt, processing, and confirmation (as needed) of isolates of Candida spp., Enterobacterales, including carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), and Clostridium difficile submitted by clinical laboratories participating in surveillance projects conducted by CEIP. The Microbiologist will perform duties associated with the receipt and transportation of specimens for the CEIP ABCs project. The Microbiologist will also freeze and/or process specimens as outlined in standardized protocol for storage and shipping to CDC for further testing and characterization.

Must submit a cover letter and resume with application.

The hourly rate for this position is $29.50 per hour.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Specimen receipt and data entry for Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), including preparing specimen for storage and shipment, specimen shipping, maintaining culture collection.
• Preparation and quality control testing of media and reagents.
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Autoclaves, disinfects, and disposes of contaminated materials and infectious agents.
• Culture and identification of bacterial pathogens for non-diagnostic applications using conventional and molecular techniques.
• Preparation of test reports, result summaries and other relevant documents, including reporting of relevant results and communications with internal and external partners.
• Maintains inventories and accurate records of laboratory supplies and bacterial isolates.
• Assists in the preparation of purchase requests and order tracking.
• Participation in seminars and other scientific meetings as requested.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• At least six months’ experience working with microbial pathogens in an industry or clinical or public health microbiology laboratory setting
• Knowledge of sterile technique and universal precautions for working with bacterial pathogens
• At least one year experience of computer skills using Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, email
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings
• Ability to complete projects in a timely manner
• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals
• Demonstrated attention to detail

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course work in chemistry, microbiology, medical microbiology and molecular biology is required
• Possession of a current Public Health Microbiologist Certificate is preferred
• Experience using a PC and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Capacity to work independently or in a team environment
• Able to transmit data securely (i.e., to HIPAA compliant secure FTP sites or via encrypted email)

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• None required

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Training and certification of packaging and shipping of infectious agents
• Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand: Frequently
• Walk: Frequently
• Sit: Frequently
• Handling / Fingering: Frequently
• Reach Outward: Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
• Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs.
• Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs.
• See (Vision): Constantly
• Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

Key

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Laboratory setting, indoor and airflow and temperature controlled

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.