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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 50260442 |
Description Activated On: 5/14/2026 3:38:45 PM |
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 is a Microbiologist I position in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. The incumbent is responsible for performing diagnostic work related to infectious diseases of animals using advanced molecular techniques. |
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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. Performs molecular tests for determining the presence of the signature genetic sequences of infectious agents. Performs extraction of DNA and RNA from tissue and other type of diagnostic specimens. Analyzes the extracted samples by assays such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcriptase PCR or real time PCR for the presence and absence of the targets. The procedures are performed using advanced molecular diagnostic techniques such as RT-PCR and nucleic acid sequencing using robotics or manually, in a biosafety level 2 or 3 lab setting. The incumbent reports the test results using a laboratory information management system (LIMS). Documents all testing information such as test date, specimen identification, lot number of reagents used and test results to allow an audit trail. Prepares reagents, buffers and solutions for above applications. Calculates concentrations, conducts serial dilutions, and integrates use of automated high-throughput devices. Prepares and stores all the molecular reagents under suitable storage conditions. The incumbent is responsible for ordering and maintaining a stock of reagents used in molecular diagnostic procedures. Uses aseptic techniques. Sets up, calibrates, operates, cleans, and maintains the laboratory equipment in good working condition. Maintains clean operations in the laboratory. Contributes to routine housekeeping tasks such as proper disposal of biohazard waste. Responsible for completing the assigned tasks in the laboratory. Failure to act results in diagnostic work being delayed for reporting. The incumbent assists with monitoring the quality of diagnostic assays by tracking the performance of assay controls. Quality Management Ensures compliance with Standard Operating Procedures by using quality control procedures and practices in the laboratory. Uses in-house standards and other controls as outlined in NAHLN specific SOPs in daily routine testing. Assists in the preparation of Standard Operating Procedures, validation reports and other technical documents related to work procedures. Performs annual review of SOPs. Assists the Laboratory Quality Management unit in development of appropriate standards and also maintains quality control records of all testing. The employee is responsible for duties related to the laboratory quality system. The quality system includes all aspects of compliance with the requirements for accreditation by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. Other Responsibilities Helps in shipping specimens to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for confirmation of initial diagnosis. Performs other laboratory work as needed. In the case of a high consequence disease outbreak, the incumbent can be required to avoid contact with susceptible species at home or venues outside of work duties for a period as determined by best current science and department guidelines. |
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. Supervision is provided by the Manager, who gives technical instructions. Work is evaluated through observation of the work being performed and through monitoring the results produced. Results are confirmed by occasional repeats of tests performed. Develops solutions to problems. Consults Manager on problem cases and in any instance that is out of the ordinary or not a routine occurrence. Assumes increasing responsibility for independent work with minimal supervision. |
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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. N/A 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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