Microbiologist I or II

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Job Category

Academic Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Microbiologist I

Job Summary

The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) is a public health laboratory whose mission is to improve and protect the human condition by providing accurate and precise testing, service, research and education. The WSLH, as part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, advances public health through specialized laboratory testing, research, and education. Our vision is to be a global leader in improving quality of life through the advancement of science-based public, environmental and occupational health laboratory practice and policy. WSLH provides essential laboratory support in accordance with the public health goals of the state and the Wisconsin Division of Health Services (WDHS).

Within WSLH, the Communicable Disease Division (CDD) performs many core functions of a public health laboratory:

• Disease prevention, control and surveillance
• Integrated data management
• Reference and specialized testing
• Food safety
• Laboratory improvement and regulation
• Policy development
• Public health preparedness and response
• Training and education
• Partnerships and Communication

CDD performs over 150 clinical diagnostic and surveillance tests in support of WDHS, Wisconsin clinical laboratories, other state and regional public health laboratories and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). WSLH is a national or regional reference center, through work performed in CDD, for advanced molecular diagnostics as well as several pathogens of public health concern.

We invite you to become a part of this leading public health laboratory and world-class university with this important position in the Communicable Disease Division.

The employee in this position works under close supervision as a member of the CDD Sequencing team. The Sequencing team supports advanced molecular diagnostics and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for the detection, characterization, and genomic analysis of pathogens of public health significance, including antimicrobial-resistant organisms, influenza, and other communicable disease agents.

This position performs molecular diagnostic and microbiological testing, including NGS-related laboratory procedures on clinical specimens and microorganisms of public health significance. Responsibilities include specimen processing, nucleic acid extraction and preparation, molecular assay workflows, conventional microbiological culture techniques, accurate documentation in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and preparation of laboratory worksheets and reports. The position also supports quality assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement activities to ensure accurate, reliable, and reproducible results.

Additional responsibilities may include supporting the development, evaluation, and validation of molecular and sequencing methods; preparing and revising standard operating procedures (SOPs); assisting with test costing and implementation; and providing technical instruction to laboratory personnel, students, and other healthcare professionals. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to advanced genomic surveillance and strengthen laboratory capacity for public health detection, investigation, and response.

Standard Summary

Microbiologist I: Performs testing services within a microbiology laboratory including human, animal, and plant diagnostics, surveillance, screening, environmental monitoring, and forensic science to report clear and concise testing results.

Microbiologist II: Performs, develops, evaluates, and prepares testing services within a microbiology laboratory including human, animal, and plant diagnostics, surveillance, screening, environmental monitoring, and forensic science to report clear and concise testing results.

Key Job Responsibilities

Microbiologist I

• 5% - Isolates and maintains cultures of microorganisms from specimens and samples for identification and classification.
• 5% - Propagates and maintains cell lines and cultures for microorganism isolation or assay procedures with an understanding of laboratory safety.
• 30% - Performs, interprets, and reports microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or determine sources of contamination in the environment.
• 10% - Prepares specimens for scientific examination and analysis and/or prepares the laboratory for accreditation audits/inspections.
• 10% - Develops and conducts biological research experiments employing quality control and quality assurance practices and adhering to regulatory standards and requirements.
• 10% - Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and information management systems.
• 10% - Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data
• 0% - Prepares technical reports, makes scientific recommendations based on findings, and presents materials to stakeholders groups
• 5% - Establishes and maintains partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and                           communicates research updates
• 5% Supports and/or trains new employees, students, and other professional colleagues
• 5% Participates in educational and outreach activities and other professional development
• 5% Supports new test development and validation studies and assists in bringing new technologies to the work unit with assistance

Microbiologist II

• 5% - Isolates and maintains cultures of microorganisms from specimens and samples for identification and classification.
• 5% - Propagates and maintains cell lines and cultures for microorganism isolation or assay procedures with an understanding of laboratory safety.
• 25% - Performs, interprets, and reports microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or determine sources of contamination in the environment.
• 10% - Prepares specimens for scientific examination and analysis and/or prepares the laboratory for accreditation audits/inspections.
• 10% - Develops and conducts biological research experiments employing quality control and quality assurance practices and adhering to regulatory standards and requirements.
• 10% - Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and information management systems.
• 10% - Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data
• 5% - Prepares technical reports, makes scientific recommendations based on findings, and presents materials to stakeholders groups
• 5% - Establishes and maintains partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and                           communicates research updates
• 5% Supports and/or trains new employees, students, and other professional colleagues
• 5% Participates in educational and outreach activities and other professional development
• 5% Supports new test development and validation studies and assists in bringing new technologies to the work unit with assistance

Key Job Responsibilities

• Isolates and maintains cultures of microorganisms from specimens and samples for identification and classification - 5%
• Communicates with internal and external stakeholders as needed
• Conducts biological research experiments employing quality control and quality assurance practices and adhering to regulatory standards and requirements - 10%