MICROBIOLOGIST 3

Definition

Under the general supervision of a supervisory official or manager in the Department of Health or in the Department of Agriculture, or in a county/municipal run laboratory, conducts non-routine and diagnostic microbiologic, molecular, and serologic tests and analyses; prepares complex reports; may oversee a unit with two or more functions in one of the laboratory programs; supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Conducts routine and non-routine and diagnostic microbiologic, molecular/serologic tests on submitted materials/specimens.
• Supervises the interpretation of test results and the preparation and issuance of reports.
• Supervises the work of lower grade microbiologists and technical laboratory personnel conducting microbiological tests and analyses.
• Determines and performs supplementary procedures when initial tests results are unclear.
• Conducts complex research on microbiologic and related problems.
• Keeps current with literature, practices, and new developments in the field of microbiology. Joint division continuing education activities.
• As required, acts as an expert witness for the State concerning laboratory tests and analyses performed.
• Assigns and directs the work of at least one unit within the laboratory; monitors work for accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
• Studies, tests, and evaluates appropriate new laboratory apparatus and/or methodologies.
• Plans the organization and conduct of research activities.
• Instructs laboratory personnel in the proper use, care, maintenance, and minor adjustment of equipment.
• Prepares statistical evaluations as directed.
• Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports of microbiologic tests, analyses, and examinations containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees.
• Supervises the maintenance of microbiologic records, reports, and files.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a biological science including or supplemented by twelve (12) semester hour credits in specific microbiological courses in the study of microorganisms, which includes bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and/or mycology.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in a public health or clinical laboratory conducting diagnostic microbiological tests, examinations, and/or research.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the precautions to be taken in the use and maintenance of sterile equipment and the minor repair of laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of the principles of microbiology and allied disciplines.
• Knowledge of the equipment, materials, and supplies used in a microbiological laboratory.
• Knowledge of the media, reagents, equipment, and methodologies used in microbiologic examinations.
• Knowledge of the precautions to be taken in handling specimens.
• Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used to conduct microbiologic/molecular/serologic tests and analyses.
• Ability to organize assigned laboratory work, analyze microbiological problems, and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to conduct tests and interpret and report on results.
• Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit.
• Ability to take measures required to ensure that laboratory areas are maintained in a clean, orderly, and safe condition and that equipment/instruments are maintained in good operating condition.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports of microbiologic/serologic tests and analyses containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to compile and prepare scientific data for use in court proceedings.
• Ability to act as an expert witness for the State in court.
• Ability to prepare statistical evaluations.
• Ability to prepare technical correspondence.
• Ability to establish and maintain records, reports, and files.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. An employee using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

A Master's degree in Microbiology may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as stated above.

A Doctorate degree in Microbiology may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

Appointees may be required to perform physical activities such as lifting, carrying, and standing for an extended period of time.

Appointees may be required to get vaccinations or submit vaccination records.

Appointees may be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment.