Microbiologist 3

As a Microbiologist 3 with the Department of Health, you will play a key part in work that supports the health of residents across Pennsylvania! This position provides an opportunity to shape laboratory practices that detect and respond to public health threats. You will guide talented staff, strengthen laboratory processes, and support timely public health action. Take on this meaningful role where your expertise helps improve outcomes for communities statewide and apply today!

This position oversees important laboratory operations that support public health testing for the Bureau of Laboratories. It involves supervising staff, supporting quality assurance, and guiding specialized microbiology work. As a Microbiologist 3, you will perform the following duties:

• Supervisory Leadership: Manage staff who perform microbiology testing, specimen processing, and laboratory support tasks
• Quality Oversight: Monitor quality practices in pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical work to ensure accurate results
• Procedure Evaluation: Assess new diagnostic methods, coordinate validation efforts, and review procedures for efficiency and compliance
• Cross Agency Coordination: Communicate with internal sections, federal and state partners, and clinicians regarding laboratory findings and needs
• Training Support: Provide technical guidance and training for laboratory personnel, students, and public health partners
• Emergency Response: Participate in public health emergency activities and carry out essential duties under challenging conditions

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 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, 1 day per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Exton. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a Microbiologist 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Two years of professional laboratory work experience in microbiology, and a bachelor’s degree that includes 20 credits of microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry; or
• One year of professional laboratory work experience in microbiology, and a graduate degree in microbiology.

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 Guidelines. 
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• 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. 
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

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

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

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.

• 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.