Microbiologist I

The Position

Under technical supervision, conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses and investigate the growth, structure, development and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae or fungi.

Pay: $20-23 per hour

Responsibilities

Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships or reactions using chromatography, spectroscopy or spectrophotometry techniques
Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature and nutrition
Study growth, structure, development and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms
Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using testing instruments to identify and classify microorganisms
Conduct quality control tests
Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed
Prepare test solutions, compounds or reagents for laboratory employees to conduct tests
Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analyses
Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed
Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions
Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests
Confer with others to interpret test results
Maintain workflow and turnaround time for customer samples
Maintain quality control of micro area and consumables
Execute method validation plans
Establish and maintain productive working relationships with people inside the laboratory and people outside the laboratory including customers, regulatory staff and corporate staff

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Additional Responsibilities:

Work with Technical Services to improve current methods
Perform other duties as may be assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a major in microbiology, biochemistry or other related science major required
3 - 5 years of microbiology laboratory experience required
Proficiency with selective plating, aseptic techniques, gram staining, light microscopy, quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques
Knowledge of laboratory applications of microbiology
Exemplary customer service skills
Ability to use a variety of laboratory equipment and instruments including colony counters, incubators, autoclaves and microscopes
Ability to use computers and computer software programs and systems and standard office equipment such as phones, photocopiers and fax machines
Good written and verbal communication skills to convey and receive information effectively (face-to-face, telephone and electronic)
Good analytical and judgment skills
Detail-oriented
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding test results
Excellent organizational skills to work independently, prioritize, handle multiple tasks, manage time

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

None

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee works in a laboratory environment. While performing work-related duties the employee occasionally works with hazardous, toxic or caustic chemicals such as acids and solvents, works around fumes or airborne particles from laboratory chemicals used/fume hoods works with or near moving mechanical parts from laboratory equipment and works with equipment that vibrates. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Safety Sensitive Position:

Equipment or vehicles used and activities performed by this position that could cause serious injury or death to the operator, other employees and/or other individuals if not used properly or safely:

• Contamination from working with microbial testing

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, walking/moving around and standing, talking and hearing and using hands to handle, control or feel objects, tools or controls
Occasional periods of stooping/bending
Lifting up to 25 pounds regularly
Close vision and ability to focus on computer screens and documents; depth perception; color vision

Stressful Conditions in the Work Environment Affecting This Position:

Challenging work demands including heavy workload/work quantity or quality demands, time demands, conflicting/multiple deadlines or tasks and interpreting data

Work Schedule:

40-hour minimum workweek; Monday-Friday
May require on-call duty and the ability to work outside of scheduled work hours including weekends and holidays when the need arise
Travel of 5-10% may be required.

Equal Opportunities

ACT Laboratories provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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