Massachusetts Healthcare Jobs

The Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory at the Department of Public Health offers an opportunity for a microbiologist to isolate, identify and characterize mycobacteria of clinical and public health significance including /Mycobacterium tuberculosis/. This position will require skills including conventional microbial culture techniques, AFB smear interpretation, and may require specialized skills such as PCR, MALDI-TOF, and whole genome sequencing. Learn more aboutwhat it’s like to work as a DPH Laboratory Professional. Please note: This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week. _Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):_ * Perform complex laboratory testing on clinical specimens using microbiological culture techniques. * Prepare and read acid fast smears using a fluorescent microscope. * Execute nucleic acid extraction and amplification testing. * Conduct testing using the MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer. * Perform drug susceptibility testing on /Mycobacterium tuberculosis/. _Required Qualifications:_ * Proficiency in performing basic microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques. * Ability to follow written and oral instructions. * Knowledge of quality assurance practices. * Capability to perform calculations, measurements and unit conversion calculations. * Keen knowledge of principles and policies governing professional ethics and rules of conduct. * Skill to effectively communicate with others, both orally and in writing. * Ability to work collegially with peers. _Preferred Qualifications:_ * American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certified medical technologist. * Awareness of / experience in clinical microbiology and bacterial identification. * Understanding of/experience in clinical mycobacteriology including drug susceptibility testing. * Knowledge of molecular techniques including PCR and sequencing. * Knowledge of BSL-3 practices. _Special Requirements:_ * Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents. * Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire. * As part of the pre-hire process, you will be required to submit transcript(s) for review for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) verification process. If selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to submit an official transcript from each accredited academic institution to verify the above. Please note that we will be unable to move forward with your application for this position if you do not meet CLIA qualifications. _Working Conditions:_ In the context of work in a BSL-3 environment the successful candidate must understand the following: * Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents. * Recommended candidate must complete OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C), be evaluated and determined able to wear a respirator before working in any BSL-3 laboratory. _About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS):_ The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL). Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment. The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease. The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety. The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). BIDLS Vision:  *Optimize the health of all people in Massachusetts and implement an equitable and just public health response by combatting infections and other public health threats. *BIDLS Mission: *Use testing, analytical, and direct service capacities, grounded in data-, science-, and equity-driven public health principles, to share accurate information, provide timely guidance, and respond to infections and other public health threats, leveraging innovation and partnerships at the individual, family, community, and population levels. * _DPH Mission and Vision:_ The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism. We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances. Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do:DPH at a Glance PDF|Doc __ _Pre-Hire Process:_ A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website. If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form. For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4 First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory technology, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Based on assignment, applicants must meet related Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) requirements for High Complexity Testing. Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, medical laboratory technology, or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. II. A Master's degree or higher with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for the required experience. Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range. *Comprehensive Benefits* When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. *Job: Science *Organization: Department of Public Health *Title: *Mycobacteriology Laboratory Microbiologist Location: Massachusetts-Boston-305 South Street Requisition ID: 250000TJ