Job Description

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced laboratory professional to serve as a Microbiologist. This position is located at the State Public Health Laboratory. This role performs highly complex microbiological and molecular tests to detect, identify and characterize pathogens of both clinical and public health importance. The Microbiologist participates in outbreak testing and investigations, as appropriate. This role performs laboratory activities which support both upstream and downstream testing of clinical and environmental samples, to include screening tests, testing to additionally characterize pathogens and extraction protocols prior to downstream sequencing. The Microbiologist complies with all safety and security protocols, recognizes and communicates laboratory contingencies to a supervisor in real time, and performs related duties as required to include but not limited to participation/contribution to LIMS implementation and processes associated with building renovation.

Learn more about what it's like to work as a DPH Laboratory Professional.

Please note

: This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week.

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

Follows approved, written procedure and use sound scientific practice and technical skills to perform all tasks associated with laboratory testing to include all pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical tasks for routine, surveillance and outbreak testing. Participates in quality management program to meet policy and regulatory requirements; perform tasks as directed by Microbiologist III, Lab Supervisor and Division Director. This includes but is not limited to following the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's defined acceptable levels of performance, documenting all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications and performing testing and preparing results for subsequent secondary review and release following verification. Maintains inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment by determining when such supplies, equipment and chemicals must be ordered and writing purchases to maintain proper supply levels Participates in investigation and onboarding new and updated test processes. Trains new staff and participates in cross training in other laboratory sections. Communicates with submitters according to procedures regarding specimen collection, packaging, shipping, and transportation of specimens transported to the laboratory. Complies with agency policy regarding safety, security, and protection in the working environment in accordance with the laboratory's procedures and policies for biological, chemical, and radiologic agents. Participates and respond to emergency events. Communicates with both internal and external collaborators in a timely manner to include communicating results and providing guidance and on lab policies and testing guidelines, as appropriate. Performs related other duties as required and determined by the Supervisor, Division Director, and/or Public Health Laboratory management in response to program needs including but not limited to participation/contribution to LIMS implementation, and performing Microbiologist II level duties in other sections of the laboratories upon successful completion of training in assigned areas.

Required Qualifications:

Knowledge of the concepts and theories of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology. Familiar of basic microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques. These include knowledge of basic microbial culture techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays. Understanding of the quality assurance practices (e.g., equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency, following standard operating procedures) specific to microbiology, immunological, and molecular biology test methods in a diagnostic setting. Ability to perform calculations, measurements and unit conversion calculations. Comprehension of the principles and policies governing professional ethics and rules of conduct.

Knowledge of laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to certification and accreditation requirements to meet regulatory requirements. Means to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents. Able to coordinate assignments for microbiological sample storage, handling, and specimen retention, and packaging and shipping of infectious substances.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations pertaining to the prevention and control of communicable diseases; Awareness of the laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations; Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing assigned unit activities; Understanding of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities; Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms. Knowledge of the regulatory standards governing clinical and environmental laboratory testing. Potential to give oral and written instructions in a precise and understandable manner. Capacity to make effective oral presentations. Able to read and interpret technical manuals, journal articles, and other formal scientific materials. Skilled to effectively and professionally communicate orally and in writing and prepare concise technical reports. Ability to follow work instructions and either work independently or in a team environment.

Special Requirements:

Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents. Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.


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.

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:

Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents. All Tier 1 designated staff who may be exposed to Tier 1 Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) 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 HSLI laboratory (Tier 1, non Tier1, and non SAT) that requires a respirator. All Tier 1 designated staff are subject to ongoing suitability assessment to ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding Tier 1 Select Agents. Failure to pass the SRA and/or suitability assessment required for access to Tier 1 BSAT may result in being laid off if no other resolution is reached.

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).

BIDLS Vision:

Optimize the health of all people in Massachusetts and implement an equitable and just public health response by combatting infections and other public health threats.

BIDLS Mission:

Use testing, analytical, and direct service capacities, grounded in data-, science-, and equity-driven public health principles, to share accurate information, provide timely guidance, and respond to infections and other public health threats, leveraging innovation and partnerships at the individual, family, community, and population levels.

DPH Mission and Vision:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.


We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.

Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do:

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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

ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4

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 three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory technology, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

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

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, medical laboratory technology, or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

II. A Master's degree or higher with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for the required experience.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

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!

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 II

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Boston-305 South Street

Job

Science

Agency

Department of Public Health

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Oct 17, 2025, 11:57:35 AM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

74,229.22 - 109,164.38 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator

Sandra C. Semedo / Sandra.C.Semedo@mass.gov - 6173524250

Bargaining Unit

09-MOSES - Engineers/Scientists

Confidential

No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule

No