Senior Microbiologist (Genomics) at Public Health Foundation Enterprises, In in Richmond, California

Job Description:

SUMMARY 

The Infectious Disease Laboratory Branch (IDLB) is currently seeking a highly motivated Senior Microbiologist to join the Genomics Center group. In this role, the candidate will work collaboratively and cross-functionally with colleagues to execute Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows that support the surveillance, diagnostics, and research efforts of the California Department of Public Health.

The Senior Microbiologist will be responsible for overseeing the entire NGS workflow, which includes library preparation, targeted enrichment, and DNA sequencing. The ideal candidate should have a wide-ranging scientific background, hands-on experience in molecular and cellular biology, a comprehensive understanding of sequencing technologies, and proficiency in platforms such as Illumina and Oxford Nanopore. The role will involve developing and optimizing SOPs for a range of DNA sequencing assays used in the realm of public health. The Senior Microbiologist will collaborate both internally and externally to examine pathogen-specific genomic data that can be utilized for diagnostic applications and outbreak investigations.

Additionally, the Senior Microbiologist is responsible for ensuring compliance with the quality assurance and quality control standards, executing laboratory operations, and supporting the Unit Supervisor in maintaining the quality management system. This includes reviewing QC records, preparing QA reports, drafting and updating SOPs, and providing training. If qualified, they may be delegated additional CLIA General/Technical Supervisor duties such as providing technical consultation, troubleshooting, and overseeing laboratory testing. The Senior Microbiologist is expected to stay updated with scientific literature, contribute academically by drafting abstracts and manuscripts, offer guidance to other microbiologists, participate in grant writing, provide training for workshops and seminars, and help other units as needed.

The position is in Richmond, CA.

Must submit a resume with application. 

The salary range for this position is $82,000 to $108,000 annually depending on experience/qualifications.

Must be able to work flexible hours that may include weekends and holidays.

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation). The applicant will need to have the qualifying exemption. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and optimize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for whole genome sequencing of microbial pathogens.


• Collaborate with both internal and external partners on bioinformatics tools to analyze genomic data for diagnostics and outbreak tracking.


• Enhance and streamline tools for the efficient analysis and reporting of genomic data.


• Ensure accurate and timely analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results, adhering to CLIA, ISO 17025 and other regulatory standards.


• Oversee compliance with QA/QC policies and execute related activities including equipment maintenance, biosafety protocols, and chemical hygiene.


• Support the Unit Supervisor in quality management tasks, such as reviewing records and data logs, compiling QA reports, revising SOPs, and training.


• When qualified, undertake technical consultations, troubleshooting, and supervisory duties as a CLIA General/Technical Supervisor.


• Stay updated with the latest scientific advancements, draft manuscripts, and participate in grant proposal writing.


• Offer scientific consultation to external and internal microbiologists and assist in training workshops.


• Fulfill other assigned duties, including supporting different units during peak times.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Broad scientific background in molecular and cellular biology, understanding of sequencing technologies, and expertise in sequencing platforms such as Illumina and Oxford Nanopore.


• Experience or proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as NGS library preparation, target enrichment, DNA amplification/purification, DNA quantitation/characterization (Qubit, TapeStation, NanoDrop, qPCR machines), etc.


• Experience working in a sequencing or genomics core facility and operating various sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina, PacBio, Oxford Nanopore).


• Experience with high-throughput laboratory automation computational skills, or basic understanding of programming language is a plus.


• Ability to conduct and report on scientific experiments while maintaining careful attention to detail, safety, and good laboratory practices.


• Strong communication skills, self-motivation, and proven ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.


• Excellent organizational, prioritization and planning skills to ensure projects are complete under established deadlines and timelines.

 Education/Experience

• Doctoral degree in the field of molecular biology, genetics, systems biology, chemistry, or related fields, preferred.


• Master/bachelor's degree with 4+ years of relevant next-generation sequencing experience will also be considered.

 Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist certificate or eligibility for the Public Health Microbiologist training program, preferred.

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint


• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing


• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings


• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals


• Ability to multi-task and work effectively under pressure

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand: Frequently


• Walk: Frequently


• Sit: Frequently


• Handling / Fingering: Frequently


• Reach Outward: Occasionally


• Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally


• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally


• Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs


• Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs


• See: Constantly


• 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 

General office and laboratory setting, indoors, temperature controlled

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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