Microbiologist I
Heluna Health
- Richmond, CA
- $32.00-40.00 per hour
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Participate in the development, evaluation, and application of highly specialized procedures for detection of viral antigens (or antibodies) in clinical specimens, including immunofluorescence assays, improved virus isolation procedures, PCR-based technologies and other molecular assays, and neutralization tests.
- Train technical staff, local public health laboratory staff, and microbiologist trainees in procedures and tests developed to ensure competency in performance of complex and standard assays.
- Maintain records of patient specimens and test results for virus detection, serology and special studies. Maintain electronic databases of laboratory results.
- Analyze test results using electronic spreadsheets and databases to establish performance specifications of assays. Review and interpret complex data and quality control results.
- Maintain protocols and quality control procedures.
- Follow safety and quality control procedures in the handling of hazardous biological and chemical materials, and in the maintenance of laboratory equipment and reagents
- Maintain knowledge of primary scientific literature in both zoonotic and vectorborne diseases as well as advances in diagnostic laboratory technologies.
- Assist in the preparation of technical reports and manuscripts for publication.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Knowledge and experience with laboratory work environments (BSL-2 minimum), sterile technique, and molecular (PCR; sequencing) techniques are required.
- Experience with standard precautions for working with potentially infectious clinical specimens, particularly working in class II BSC.
- Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
- Demonstrated attention to detail.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course work in chemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology required.
- Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist certificate preferred, but not required.
- Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, email)
- Ability to effectively communicate verbally
- Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings
- Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals
- Stand: Frequently
- Walk: Frequently
- Sit: Frequently
- Handling Material: 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 50 lbs
- See (Vision): Constantly
- Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable
- Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions
- Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)
- Frequently = (2+ - 5 hrs/day)
- Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)