The Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory at the Department of Public Health offers an exciting opportunity for a professional with a strong clinical laboratory background to oversee the Virus Serology and Virus Isolation laboratory sections in the Division of Molecular Diagnostics and Virology. This role will oversee all aspects of receipt, processing, testing, and reporting of primary clinical or veterinary specimens suspect for viral agents; oversight of a secure biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory for diagnostic testing of viral specimens will be integral to this position. The Virus Isolation and Serology Supervisor will be responsible for oversight of staff scheduling, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of results shared with submitting agencies, and messaging regarding results. This role will ensure adequate inventory to perform all tests and will work with the division director to ensure the most current test methods and instrumentation are used, and will be instrumental in the implementation of expanded diagnostics specific to the areas of viral culture and serology. The Virus Isolation and Serology Supervisor will collaborate with both internal and external partners including laboratory colleagues in diagnostic microbiology, molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, quality assurance, epidemiologists, and medical professionals, and external partners such as local clinical labs, pulmonologists and infectious disease physicians across Massachusetts, and professionals at the CDC other state and local laboratory programs. The selected candidate must meet the qualifications of technical supervisor under CLIA.

Learn more about what it’s like to work at the State Public Health Lab.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

1. Coordination and oversight of all daily operations of the Virus Serology and Virus Isolation lab sections.
2. Maintenance of adequate resources including staff and supplies to complete all testing in the required timeframe.
   
3. Ensured adherence to the quality management system.
   
4. Ensured adherence to the proper biosafety protocols.
   
5. Ongoing communication with the division director.
   
6. The incumbent may participate in standby/on call rotation as required for response to emergent situations of public health importance.
   

Required Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated understanding of the concepts and theories of virology, immunology, and molecular biology.
2. Knowledge of basic virological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques, including basic viral culture techniques, immunological tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays.
   
3. Comprehension of the quality assurance practices (e.g. equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency, following standard operating procedures) specific to virology, immunological, and molecular biology test methods in a diagnostic setting.
   
4. Awareness of regulatory requirements and quality assurance practices for the daily operations of a clinical microbiology laboratory.
   
5. Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory certifications and accreditations requirements.
   
6. Capability to coordinate assignments for virological sample storage, handling, and specimen retention, and packaging and shipping of infectious substances.
   
7. Capacity to oversee and review work of others; including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of employees and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations of work.
   
8. Keen knowledge of the types and availability of public or private community-based organizations and sources for conducting laboratory tests.
   

Preferred Qualifications:

1. ASCP certification.
2. Ability to qualify as a CLIA technical supervisor in Microbiology.
   
3. Awareness of principles of viral identification for different viral families.
   
4. Understanding of established methods of viral identification.
   
5. Comprehension of laboratory information management systems and results messaging.
   
6. Knowledge of viral culture and serology methods.
   
7. Familiarity of the serological interpretation of viral infections.
   
8. Demonstrated knowledge of proper use and safety of a biosafety cabinet and a BSL3 laboratory.
   
9. Keen knowledge of methods including: EIA, immunoblot, IFA, and IHA to detect, isolate and identify viruses using IFA Monoclonal antibody, tissue culture or other isolation methods (such as plaque reduction neutralization test – PRNT) as established methods of identification.
   

Special Requirements:

Please note that this position is required to report to the office five days per week. This position will require work in the BSL-3 laboratory. In the context of work in a BSL-3 environment the successful candidate must understand the following:

1. Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents in a BSL3 laboratory.
2. All staff who may be exposed to infectious agents in the BSL-3 laboratory must complete OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C), be evaluated and determined able to wear a respirator before working in any MA SPH laboratory (Tier 1, non Tier1, and non SAT) that requires a respirator.
   
3. Registered staff will undergo an initial security risk assessment (SRA) and renew it every three years. All designated staff will be subject to an ongoing, annual suitability program.
   

As part of the pre-hire process, you will be required to submit transcript(s) for review for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) verification process.

If selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to submit an official transcript from each accredited academic institution to verify the above.

Please note that we will be unable to move forward with your application for this position if you do not meet CLIA qualifications.

About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS):

The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL).

Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment.

The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease. The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety. The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

More information can be found at: MA Department of Public Health

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the form https://www.mass.gov/reasonable-accommodations-for-executive-department-employees

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #2.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have (A) at least nine (9) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory technology, of which (B) at least three (3) years must have been in a supervisory, administrative or in a leadership capacity, or any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I.) A Master’s degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, medical technology or related scientific field, may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

II.) A Doctoral degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, medical technology or related scientific field, may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience

 Based on assignment, applicants must meet related Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) requirements for High Complexity Testing.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Microbiologist V

Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-305 South Street

Job: Science

Agency: Department of Public Health

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day

Job Posting: Nov 3, 2023, 3:36:59 PM

Number of Openings: 1

Salary: 83,659.16 - 123,465.94 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Luciana Hayner/ Luciana.M.Hayner@mass.gov - 6177128265

Bargaining Unit: 09-MOSES - Engineers/Scientists

Confidential: No

Hybrid Work Eligible: No