Summary
This entry-level microbiologist position involves handling lab specimens, preparing materials for testing, and ensuring everything follows strict safety and quality rules in a state health department lab.
You'll help protect public health by supporting tests for infectious diseases through accurate documentation and equipment checks.
It's a great fit for recent science graduates who enjoy detailed lab work and want to contribute to community safety in a structured government setting.
Full Job Description
Are you looking for an opportunity to directly impact public safety and community wellness? The Department of Health, Bureau of Laboratories is seeking a Microbiologist 1 to join their team of professionals within the Division of Microbiology. This role provides an ideal environment for precision-oriented professionals who value technical consistency and the pursuit of analytical excellence. By joining this team, you become a vital link in Pennsylvania's health care infrastructure, contributing to a mission-driven laboratory dedicated to protecting the population from infectious threats. Advance your professional talents and apply today!
Requirements
As a Microbiologist 1, you will manage the receipt and distribution of specimens to ensure efficient laboratory operations. You will be responsible for preparing culture media and reagents using strict aseptic techniques to maintain sterile conditions. Beyond preparation, you will perform quality control checks on equipment, reagents, and established protocols to guarantee analytical accuracy and regulatory compliance. Additionally, you will utilize the Laboratory Information Management System to accession specimens and manage the entry of approved demographic data, ensuring precise documentation and tracking throughout the testing process.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the
position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
- Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- 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
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in microbiology; or
- A bachelor’s degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
- Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.
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 Requirement:
- 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.
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.
Additional Information
- 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.