THE POSITION

NOTE: THIS IS A REPOSTING OF CS-2022-34924-32420. IF YOU APPLIED UNDER THE PREVIOUS POSTING WHICH WAS OPEN FROM OCTOBER 18, 2022 TO NOVEMBER 1, 2022, YOU CANNOT SUBMIT A NEW APPLICATION.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is looking for a Microbiologist! This laboratory position in the Bureau of Laboratories, Division of Microbiology supports the organization’s mission to safeguard public health within the Commonwealth by performing conventional and molecular techniques for detection of highly antibiotic resistant bacteria. This laboratory testing program contributes to the control and prevention measures of health-care associated infections in Pennsylvania. Join our mission!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this position, you will perform culture to isolate and identify bacteria, with emphasis on carbapenemase resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the use of the Vitek Compact 2 to ensure rapid detection of highly resistant bacterial strains involved in health care-associated infections. You will use a light microscope with gram stain method for the detection of gram negative or gram positive in reference bacterial cultures to ensure proper identification and accurate results; perform matrix assisted laser desorption ionization – time of flight (MALDI-TOF) for bacterial identification by means of species-specific protein compositions. MALDI-TOF method includes harvesting, extraction and derivatization procedures to ensure the proper identification of the infectious agents; use real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol for the qualitative detection of specific pathogenic resistant mutation mechanism by means of extraction techniques, sample preparation, reagent preparation and use of a thermal cycler to ensure rapid detection for disease control and prevention efforts. Perform quality control checks on equipment, reagents, and procedures to assure the reliability of test results.

Public Health Emergency Response - This position may be given an assignment to support the public health emergency response mission of the Department of Health. Emergency assignments could at times be received with little or no advance notice, and may continue for any period of time - ranging from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the nature of the circumstance. The emergency assignments may at times be performed under adverse conditions and may require travel to another site other than the employee's assigned headquarters for a period of time.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• 
  Full-time employment.
• Work hours are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
  • You may be asked to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a Microbiologist 1; or
• One year of professional laboratory work experience in microbiology, and a bachelor’s degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry; or
• A graduate degree in microbiology.

Condition of Employment:

• This position will require the successful completion of a background risk assessment check.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, six weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.