Job Description and Duties

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by providing public health laboratory testing to identify and characterize microbial pathogens and support outbreak investigations.

Under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor I (RSSI) (Microbiologist) of the Bacterial Diseases Section (BDS), Reference Bacteriology Unit, the Public Health Microbiologist II (PHM II) assists the Unit Supervisor in planning daily laboratory work; uses specialized conventional and molecular methods, develops and applies complex, non-standardized analyses; contributes to and follows quality assurance procedures; and performs other functions typical of a State reference laboratory such as providing limited technical consultation to local public health and clinical laboratorians, directors, physicians and officials of other State, local, and private agencies. The PHM II is primarily involved in identification and characterization of a variety of bacterial organisms, including drug resistant bacteria (e.g. carbapenem-resistant organisms, CRO), and assists with coordinating specimen send-out to reference laboratories and triage test reports. The incumbent will also provide coverage for CRO and Neisseria gonorrhoeae antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST).

The candidate is expected to have advanced laboratory knowledge and skills to perform the duties of this position, including culture inoculation, use of conventional microbiological methods and bacterial staining techniques, ability to use a pipette, demonstration of good aseptic technique, knowledge and understanding of basic operation of general laboratory equipment, and demonstration of safe laboratory practices when handling infectious / hazardous materials. Work is performed in a Biological Safety Level (BSL)-2 laboratory; demonstration of safe BSL-2 practices is required. For assigned molecular testing responsibilities, including PCR and sequencing, the PHM II must demonstrate good laboratory technique to avoid contamination or other test errors, basic knowledge of molecular methods and troubleshooting, and ability to work with various computer software applications to analyze results.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST II

Special Requirements

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process, and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678) and/or Resume, including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY).  Application packages without this information will experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

A completed State application (STD. 678) and any other relevant documents (e.g. unofficial transcript, copy of degree, resume, etc.) should be submitted electronically via your CalCareers Account. Please reference Job Control # (458401) and indicate the basis of your eligibility in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) section. SROA and surplus candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e. social security number, date of birth) from your documents prior to submission.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.

About California Department of Public Health

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do. The Human Resources Division (HRD) partners with CDPH’s programs and management to provide guidance and consultative services on HR matters that are necessary for the Department to carry out its mission to deliver quality public health services.

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