Job Specification Details

The Public Health Laboratory Scientist V, Microbiology is distinguished from the lower scientist levels as being the most advanced professional laboratory work within the public health laboratory involving research and performance of highly complex microbiological (including molecular microbiological) analysis of samples. The pathogens encountered in this class are CDC Class III hazards and may include both human and animal pathogens. This level acts as a technical advisor and subject matter expert to staff, laboratory management, and others in area of specialization. Acts as backup to Unit Coordinator and/or Program Chief for providing program information and technical oversight over short time periods. Serves as technical lead in one or more test areas for regulatory purposes. Incumbents are responsible for accuracy of work and are required to review the work of other lower-level public health microbiologists. Assures timely data release for program area activities of high complexity and public health incident response sample testing. Work is distinguished from the Public Health Laboratory Scientist IV, Microbiology level by assuming lead worker responsibilities over other staff for specific test methodologies and responsibility for primary maintenance and repair of complex instrumentation. The Public Health Laboratory Scientist V, Microbiology is also expected to oversee and participate in training of new employees, lower-level professional microbiologists, laboratory technicians and students in one or more specialty areas and are responsible for designing and developing new analytical methods and training staff in their use. They are also expected to establish and monitor working relationships related to the program area with federal and state agencies, the regulated community, general public and regulatory bodies. The Public Health Laboratory Scientist V, Microbiology, performs clinical, microbiological and public health emergency response analysis of a wide range of samples and materials including patient stool, vomitus, nasopharyngeal, urine and blood specimens; drinking/recreational/irrigation water, animal brain tissues, insects (mosquitos) and food. Testing must be performed according to the requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP), International Standards Organization (ISO) 17025, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Centers for Disease Control Select Agent Program. The Public Health Laboratory Scientist V, Microbiology, will serve as a technical advisor and subject matter expert (SME) in one or more of the following areas: serology, bacteriology, molecular microbiology, food microbiology, virology, parasitology, mycobacteriology, mycology, biological threat, gonorrhea/chlamydia, and water bacteriology, including Safe Drinking Water Act (SWDA) testing.

Onboarding and verification of new tests– Develops & implements test verification/validation with associated SOPs/worksheets. Assists with new instruments and equipment.

Create and maintain partnerships.– Committee member for statewide trainings & exercises/regulatory & policy compliance. Expert in a specific test area. Builds relationships with federal/state agencies, public, & regulators. Acts as backup to Unit Coordinator/Program Chief for short time periods. Assures data release/reporting. Provides trainings & presentations to collaborators.  Acts as lab liaison to external and internal partners. Communicates scientific information/results to State and Federal partners.

Technical and operational development of specialty testing areas – Maintains SOPs. Reports on current literature for procedures, techniques & regulatory changes. Monitors for potential public health threats. Develops prioritized program goals, grant workplans, proposes new equipment/instruments. Assists in staff coordination, scheduling, & oversees technical activities. Manages inventory. Develops processes & procedures for lab equipment/instruments and analytical procedures. Gathers requirements for LIMS, database applications, sample tracking, & assay validation. Tests LIMS changes prior to release. Assists with chemical waste management, data gathering, performance measures, grant response & statistical analyses of long term analytical/process data.

Testing of laboratory samples - Performs low–high difficulty microbiological analysis from accession through results release. Draws conclusions from data formulating opinions. Communicates with submitter regarding testing/sample issues. Maintains chain of custody. Performs sample container preparation and kit screening. Analyzes proficiency testing program samples. Prepares reagents/solutions/primers or probes, performs & documents QC for testing & analytical instrument calibration. Provides data, interpretive technical reports, and quality monitors. Manages samples. May testify under oath for data generated.

Data quality oversight and quality assurance – Resolves & documents technical problems with methods, procedures, & equipment. Ensures continual preparedness using Quality Management System and internal audits. Advises nonconforming events & completes follow ups. Acts as technical supervisor in testing area. Assumes CLIA general supervisory responsibilities if applicable.
 
Training of professional scientists and stakeholders – Responsible for technical review of testing. Assumes tasks of significantly difficulty. Develops competency assessments training staff in test methods, documentation & testing workflows; regulatory requirements; in preparation, use and storage of reagents/supplies; and lab equipment. Recommends laboratory responses to federal and State regulation publications.

Responding to public health emergencies– Performs duties in all phases of testing to support laboratory emergency response. Participates in health operations center directed laboratory response, training staff & building partnerships to support response activities.

Sustain laboratory ethics and safety, including health equity initiatives – Performs work with high ethical/data integrity/safety/confidentiality.  Evaluates & improves lab systems to support equity. Communicates safety events, new materials, procedures and equipment to safety personnel.  Updates Chemical Inventory & SDS records. Uses good housekeeping and personal hygiene procedures training staff on safety, engineering controls and PPE, and reporting safety events. 

Attends courses, conferences, and seminars. Performs related work as required.

Must be able to work in laboratory conditions with exposure to biohazards by handling samples that either is a bodily fluid or may be contaminated with bodily fluid(s) or highly infectious pathogens. May be required to undergo a medical evaluation and fit testing for respirator use. Must be willing to be called upon with short notice (sometimes only hours) to respond to a public health emergency or natural disaster affecting a large segment of the Vermont population and able to accurately analyze samples in such a short timeframe. May need to explain laboratory data and testing to the general public, explain what the VDHL can do and to educate them regarding public health science.

Work requires some travel and incumbents should possess a valid Vermont operator's license.

Considerable knowledge of biology/microbiology and mathematics.
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of microbiology (including molecular microbiology) by bench analysis and instrumental analysis techniques.
Considerable knowledge of the properties of hazardous and toxic material substances, their physiological effects and proper methods and procedures for disposal.
Considerable knowledge of the handling of biological samples (including highly infectious pathogens) and the precautions required.
Thorough knowledge of public health laboratory microbiological methods, techniques and theory.
Ability to act as technical advisor/manager/supervisor per regulatory requirements.
Ability to oversee technical activities of support analytical staff on a project basis.
Ability to writes verification/validation plans for analytical procedures.
Ability to build and maintain partnerships.
Ability to assists in development of program goals and priorities. 
Ability to conduct applied research, crisis response, method validation and high-profile project activities.
Knowledge of technical and federal reporting requirements for LIMS development and assay validation.
Ability to effectively communicate technical expertise to both the public and public health experts.
Ability to effectively communicates scientific information or sample results to with State and Federal partners.
Ability to develops processes and procedures for operation of laboratory equipment, system checks, and maintenance of instruments and equipment. 
Understands function verification, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures for engineering controls.
Understands the biological and chemical materials present in the laboratory. 
Recognizes when engineering controls are compromised, malfunctioning, or nonfunctioning and the resulting reporting requirements.
Exhibits effective independent judgment for priority setting and work scheduling.
Ability to evaluate and improve laboratory systems to support equity goals.
Understands policies, processes, and procedures for use and storage of reagents and supplies.
Understands the role of the lab in emergency preparedness, laboratory response network, response to biological threats and emerging threat response. 
Familiar with the lab’s continuity of operations plan, readiness to participate in health operation centers and demonstrate facility with WebEOC.
Knowledge of laboratory Ethics, confidentiality, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
Considerable Knowledge of chemical and biological laboratory safety procedure, equipment and practices, including Biosafety Levels 1, 2, 3, 4.
Knowledge of principals of Controlling Non-conforming Work and associated procedures, including root cause analysis, corrective action, and effectiveness checks.
Considerable skill in the use and care of microbiological laboratory equipment and materials.
Ability to interpret raw data to generate quality control parameters.
Ability to independently formulate valid conclusions on the basis of tests and data.
Ability to make and defend decisions and to communicate effectively.
Ability to learn and use multiple instrument software platforms and LIMS in the laboratory.
Ability to develop and implement technical requirements for LIMS development and to test same.
Ability to read and understand state and federal regulations which are used or required for VDHL to operate and maintain accreditations, licenses and certifications.
Ability to prepare reagents, analytical standards, quality control standards, test media including those of a hazardous nature and be responsible for quality control assurance of same.

Master's degree in microbiology, molecular microbiology, biology, physical science or a closely related field AND three (3) years or more of microbiological, molecular or biological laboratory experience.

OR

Bachelor's degree in microbiology, molecular microbiology, biology, physical science or a closely related field AND four (4) years or more of professional level microbiological, molecular or biological laboratory experience.

OR

One (1) year or more of experience as a Public Health Laboratory Scientist IV, Microbiology.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.