Lead Microbiologist, Environmental Microbiology Lab (Micro 3) DOH8811

Full Job Description

Lead Microbiologist, Environmental Microbiology Lab

PROJECT -- This project position is funded through July 31, 2027.

This is an in-person/onsite position reporting to the Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, WA, daily.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Join Washington’s Environmental Microbiology Lab and help turn wastewater into one of our most powerful early warning systems for infectious disease.

This role sits at the intersection of science, public health impact, and innovation while focusing on developing, validating, and running advanced molecular and genomic testing used for wastewater-based disease surveillance.

You will lead the implementation of new pathogen detection and sequencing methods, support routine surveillance and outbreak response testing, and ensure results are accurate, timely, and defensible.

The work spans method development, hands on laboratory testing, quality review, and technical guidance for other staff, with a strong emphasis on translating emerging science into reliable, day to day laboratory workflows that support public health action.

Key Responsibilities:

Why You’ll Love This Role:

The Ideal Candidate:

You are a scientist who enjoys both building something new and making sure it works reliably every day.

You are comfortable digging into the details of molecular methods, data quality, and troubleshooting, but you also enjoy teaching others and being a trusted technical resource.

You stay curious, keep up with emerging science, and know how to translate research into practical lab workflows.

You value teamwork, clear communication, and accountability, especially in high stakes public health situations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

We value all relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. You must meet at least ONE of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. While “Preferred Experience” is not required, these skills or experiences can help you stand out as a candidate.

AND Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria: Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS - OR - At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent performs high complexity testing.

And the following experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Preferred/Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience:

ABOUT US:

The Public Health Laboratories – Where Science Protects Communities

At the Public Health Laboratories, every test matters.

From hunting emerging pathogens to ensuring every newborn in the state gets life-saving screenings, your work will drive disease detection, outbreak response, and protect Washington’s most vulnerable.

We’re the state’s reference lab, tracking rare threats like rabies, hantavirus, and West Nile virus, analyzing outbreaks, and safeguarding food and water safety.

Here, science meets service in a collaborative, equity-driven team committed to real-world impact and public health at scale.

We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health.

Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience.

At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health.

To learn more about the DOH please visit our website and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and our blog.

Benefits and Lifestyle

We prioritize your work-life balance with one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. At DOH, you’ll find flexibility, growth, and stability. Learn more about why we’re a great place to work by visiting Work@Health.

Conditions of Employment:

The following terms and conditions of employment must be met with or without reasonable accommodation:

Work Setting, Including Hazards

Schedule (Hours and Days)

Travel Requirements

Tools and Equipment

Customer Interactions

Other

Representation:

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.

Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references directly in your Applicant Profile including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation with your application.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer.

We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

Veterans Preference

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application.

Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.

Questions and Accommodations

If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Shawnelle Goalder at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference the assigned “DOHXXXX” recruitment number.

Technical Support

Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

Additional Information

This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.

This position is located in King County. A 5% salary increase is included in the advertised pay.