Supervising Microbiologist (Wastewater Genomic Surveillance) (Biotech)

SUMMARY 

The laboratory Supervising Microbiologist for Wastewater Surveillance of Infectious Disease oversees the operation and management of laboratory activities related to the detection, analysis, and reporting of infectious disease pathogens in wastewater samples. This role involves supervising laboratory staff, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, maintaining quality control, and collaborating with public health authorities to monitor and respond to public health threats.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or Master's Degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field. Extensive experience in microbiological techniques, molecular methods, and infectious disease surveillance. Proven supervisory experience in a laboratory setting.  Strong understanding of laboratory quality control and safety standards. Excellent communication and organizational skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

The position is located in Richmond, CA.  

The salary range for this position is $90,000.00 to $110,336.64 annually depending on experience/qualifications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Laboratory Management:  Oversee daily operations of the wastewater surveillance laboratory, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality outputs.  Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample collection, processing, and analysis.  Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring regular calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Supervision and Training:  Supervise, mentor, and train laboratory technicians and junior microbiologists in wastewater surveillance techniques.  Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and facilitate professional development opportunities for laboratory staff.
• Sample Analysis and Data Interpretation:
  • Supervise the processing and analysis of wastewater samples to detect and quantify infectious disease pathogens.
  • Ensure accurate data entry, analysis, and interpretation of results using microbiological and molecular techniques, including PCR and sequencing.
  • Maintain detailed and accurate records of all laboratory activities and findings.
• Quality Control and Assurance:
  • Develop and enforce quality control protocols to ensure the reliability and validity of laboratory results.
  • Conduct regular internal audits and participate in external proficiency testing programs to maintain laboratory accreditation.
• Safety and Compliance:
  • Ensure laboratory operations comply with all relevant safety regulations and guidelines, including biosafety and biosecurity standards.
  • Implement and monitor laboratory safety protocols to protect personnel from potential hazards.
• Reporting and Communication:
  • Prepare detailed reports on surveillance findings for public health authorities, stakeholders, and scientific publications.
  • Communicate effectively with public health officials, researchers, and other stakeholders to discuss surveillance results and their implications.
  • Represent the laboratory in meetings, conferences, and collaborative projects related to wastewater surveillance and infectious disease monitoring.
• Research and Development:
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in wastewater surveillance and infectious disease detection methods.
  • Initiate and participate in research projects aimed at improving surveillance techniques and understanding pathogen dynamics in wastewater.
• Budget and Resource Management:
  • Assist in the preparation and management of the laboratory budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.
  • Identify and procure necessary supplies, reagents, and equipment for laboratory operations.
• This position may require occasional evening or weekend work to respond to public health emergencies. The role involves handling potentially hazardous materials and requires adherence to strict safety protocols.

 JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and extensive experience with laboratory work environments, sterile technique, and PCR-based molecular methods is highly desirable.
• Experience with complex diagnostic molecular testing techniques, including Next-Generation Sequencing and PCR assays.
• Experience with standard precautions for working with potentially infectious environmental specimens.
• Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.

• Experience with prioritization of workflow when presented with multiple demands and time critical activities.

• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience supervising, training and evaluating professional staff.

 Education/Experience

• Possession of a Ph.D. or Master's Degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.

 Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist Certificate preferred, or eligibility for the Public Health Microbiologist Training Program.

 Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams; WebEx, GraphPad Prism, BioRad QuantaSoft, CFX96 or other PCR software applications)
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings
• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals

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 (Vision): 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.

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)

See job description