Location: Augusta,Maine,United States
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Microbiologist III
Opening Date: December 3, 2024
Closing Date: December 16, 2024
Job Class Code: 4220
Grade: 25 (Supervisory)
Salary: $57,408.00 - $81,078.40 per year*
*Plus an additional 5.5% stipend
Position Number: 02031-0521
Location: Augusta
The Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory is the sole Public Health Laboratory for the State of Maine. The laboratory conducts diagnostic and surveillance testing for viruses and bacteria associated with foodborne and waterborne disease, vaccine preventable disease, vectorborne disease, respiratory disease, hospital associated disease, and sexually transmitted disease. Our results are used by the medical profession in patient care and by infectious disease epidemiologists in outbreak scenarios and public health.
Core Responsibilities:
In this supervisory position, within the clinical microbiology section at the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL), you will fulfill the duties outlined in the 42 CFR § 493.1463 - Standard: General supervisor responsibilities section of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Law. You will supervise and perform testing on specimens for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and animal specimens for Rabies virus, using techniques such as: mycobacteriology culture, real-time PCR, sanger sequencing, serology, and immunofluorescence.
You will also:
• Supervise the autoclaves, the washroom and the production of culture media and chemical solutions.
• Assist the clinical microbiology supervisor in grant writing, protocol writing, finances, and quality improvement initiatives
• Participate in annual biosafety and chemical safety trainings
• Participate in the Federal CDC LRN-B network
• Participate in the Federal CDC and USDA Select Agent Program
• Review QA/QC metrics for standard operating procedures
• Act as a liaison for assisting the State TB controller, TB consultants and State epidemiologist in all matters of laboratory testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Maintain CLIA competencies and proficiency testing for supervised employees
• Receive preexposure vaccination for Rabies
• Receive a Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST)
Minimum Qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree in Microbiology and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in a related microbiological field. Experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred candidates will also have:
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Professional certification such as ASCP, MLT, or MT.
• Knowledge and experience with real time PCR, mycobacteriology, and necropsy.
• Knowledge and experience with federal laboratory guidelines such as CAP and/or CLIA.
• A working knowledge of a laboratory information management system (LIMS)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners.
• Ability to work with managers and staff to identify training needs and research information on training/meeting opportunities, or to provide outreach materials for systems in need of technical assistance.
• Have the education and experience to fulfill the duties outlined in the 42 CFR § 493.1463 - Standard: General supervisor responsibilities section of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Law
• Have the education and experience to fulfill the duties outlined in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) Fees; Histocompatibility, Personnel, and Alternative Sanctions for Certificate of Waiver Laboratories (CMS-3326-F); Published 12/28/2023, Effective 1/27/2024 Personnel updates effective 12/28/2024.
• 2 years’ experience in a CLIA high complexity laboratory
• 2 years’ experience as a supervisor in a CLIA high complexity laboratory
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Agency information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.
The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.
Application Information:
For additional information about this position please contact Nick Matluk, CLIA Technical Supervisor, at (207) 287- 6736 or Nicholas.Matluk@Maine.gov
Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.
To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.L.Harman@Maine.gov
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
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