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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 00094375 |
Description Activated On: 1/3/2026 9:53:58 AM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. This entry-level Microbiologist position in the Bureau of Laboratories, Division of Microbiology provides support to the laboratory operations in specimen reception, media preparation, quality control, and other duties to ensure laboratory operations in both Divisions. |
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Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. Prepare culture media and reagents using aseptic techniques. Use analytical balances to measure media components and prepare solutions using appropriate calculations. Measure accurate liquid volumes and use pH meters to determine hydrogen ion concentrations. Operate automatic dispensing equipment and perform filtration of heat‑sensitive solutions. Perform quality control checks on equipment, media, reagents, and procedures, including use of biological indicators when appropriate. Conduct preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, incubators, and water baths. Review and interpret records to ensure proper containment and transport of contaminated materials. Maintain bacterial stock cultures of designated organisms. Receive and deliver samples to testing laboratories, including opening packages, assigning accession numbers, and distributing specimens and paperwork. Follow universal safety precautions during all specimen‑handling activities. Perform quality control in the pre‑analytical phase, including review of submission forms and specimen quality. Assist with organizing, accessioning, and preparing specimens (e.g., NARMS, wastewater, and other submissions) for laboratory testing. Enter specimens into the LIMS system and assign them to appropriate testing areas. Prepare environmental and human samples for culture or molecular testing. Perform waste management and routine cleanup in specimen reception and media preparation areas. Follow Bureau Quality Control and Quality Assurance policies to ensure compliance with CLIA and FDA regulations. Shop for retail food (meat and seafood) samples one to four times per month as part of food safety grant activities (state vehicle provided; driver’s license required). Participate in monthly and quarterly NARMS meetings to support collaboration with federal and state partners. Prepare, package, and ship diagnostic specimens and etiologic agents to FDA, CDC, and other agencies following appropriate packaging and shipping standards. Package and ship Category A and B specimens, including select agents, in accordance with DOT regulations (training and certification provided). Use the LIMS system to accession specimens, enter and approve demographics, track samples through testing, and report results to partners. Assist other laboratory sections experiencing increased workload due to outbreaks or surveillance projects. Provide technical support to submitting agencies regarding specimen collection and laboratory testing procedures. Participate in educational activities, literature reviews, and conferences to maintain and expand technical knowledge. Follow all safety policies outlined in the Bureau of Laboratories Policy Manual, Chemical Hygiene Plan, and Bloodborne Pathogens Plan. Perform related duties as assigned. Public Health Emergency Response. This position maybe given an assignment to support the public health emergency response mission of the Department of Health. Emergency assignments could at times be received with little or no advance notice and may continue for any period of time – ranging from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the nature of the circumstance. The emergency assignments may at times be performed under adverse conditions and may require travel to another site other than the employee’s assigned headquarters for a period of time. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. The employee establishes the sequence of daily activities under the guidance of the supervisor. The position independently performs supporting tasks in compliance with NARMS requirements and CLIA regulations. The supervisor periodically reviews ongoing work progress and the results of some assignments. Employee consults with the supervisor before rejecting a specimen, when QC testing fails when interpreting and reporting aberrant test results, and when receiving a request for test results from a third party. |
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Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. Class B Commercial Driver's License 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. 5. 6. |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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