Assistant Microbiologist

SUMMARY The position is funded by CDC’s Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) cooperative agreement. It is administered by Heluna Health which is a non-profit public health research organization. ELC supports state, local, and territorial health departments to improve laboratory capacity which supports public health laboratory testing, surveillance and reporting. Under the general supervision of the Public Health Microbiologist Supervisor, the Assistant Microbiologist works within the Mycology Unit of the Mycobacterial, Mycotic & Parasitic Diseases Section, Microbial Diseases Laboratory. The Assistant Microbiologist is responsible for the regular shipments of the Candida auris isolates to the ARLN laboratory regional laboratory as a part of Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (ARLN) surveillance activities and performs all duties associated with this function. The Assistant Microbiologist will provide support for shipping patient swab collection kits to healthcare facilities, receiving specimens from submitters, freezing C. auris isolates, and shipping cultures for reference testing to a Regional ARLN laboratory. The Assistant Microbiologist may perform supervised quality control for reagents and media, equipment monitoring and maintenance, as well as assist in the tasks pertaining to fungal detection and identification. The hourly range for this position is $24.12 to $30.17 per hour depending on experience/qualifications. If hired for this position, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your start date or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require an accommodation). ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSCoordination with submitters on shipping of collection swab kits to the collection facilities and receiving patient specimens for testing. Maintaining inventory, preparation, and shipment of collection kits to submitters. Specimen receipt and data entry for laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and other databases. Preparation of specimens and isolates for storage, maintenance of culture collection and database. Shipping of confirmed auris cultures to a reference laboratory for testing. Preparation and quality control testing of media and reagents. Autoclaves, disinfects, and disposes of contaminated materials and infectious agents. Maintains inventory and accurate records of laboratory supplies. Equipment monitoring and maintenance. Assist with fungal detection and characterization. Assists in the preparation of purchase requests and tracks orders. Performs other related duties as assigned. JOB QUALIFICATIONSExperience working with infectious agents in a microbiology laboratory setting. Experience with routine molecular and culture methods. Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Knowledge of sterile techniques and universal precautions for working with bacterial pathogens. Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, email) Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings Ability to complete projects in a timely manner Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals Demonstrated attention to detail EDUCATION/EXPERIENCEPossession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course work in chemistry, microbiology, medical microbiology and molecular biology is required. Experience using a PC and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Capacity to work independently or in a team environment. Ability to complete projects in a timely manner and multitask. Demonstrated attention to detail. Certificates/Licenses/ClearancesNot required PHYSICAL DEMANDSStand: Frequently Walk: Frequently Sit: Frequently Handling / Fingering: Occasionally Reach Outward: Occasionally Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs. Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs. See (Vision): Constantly Hear: Occasionally Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable Key Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day) Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day) Constantly = (5+ hrs/day) WORK ENVIRONMENT Laboratory setting, indoor and airflow and temperature controlled EEOC STATEMENT It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Created: 2026-03-04