Microbiologist 3 - Internal

Benefits

A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.

WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave;

12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.

All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

Commute Trip Reduction Program.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov

• Oversee the Federal Collaboration Laboratory and principal assistant to a higher-level microbiologist
• Exercise signatory responsibility (e.g. as a bench reviewer) for assuring that methods and conclusions of microbiological & biochemical tests which they or other microbiologists perform are technically correct.
• Conduct surveillance sample testing in the field of microbiology.
• Review test results within sections for compliance and accuracy before results are released.
• Create standard operating procedures, work instructions and forms for use in sample testing.
• Recommend improved procedures for laboratory tests; develop and recommend training materials for the use of laboratory.
• Perform administrative tasks such as evaluation of major laboratory equipment for purchase, preparation of correspondence for the supervisor’s signature, and assistants in the development of lab policies and procedures.
• Design and coordinate ad-hoc research projects within the laboratory section.
• Evaluate and research laboratory procedures (such as but not not: methods verification, validation, food matrix extension etc.) and recommend improvements for laboratory tests.
• Serve as LIMS administrator, which involves with all aspects of using LIMS to perform routine laboratory works daily.
• Act as a principal assistant to the laboratory management
• Provide assistance in grant applications, proposal & annual report preparation. Weekly lab testing reports reviews and preparation, and other management duties.
• Assist with research, development, evaluation and validation of new food testing methods or matrix extensions
• Work with FDA LFFM on assignments involving small-scale method development or validation.
• Assist with producing reports of findings from our laboratory’s efforts to develop, evaluate, and validate new food testing methods to the funder and/or publish these findings in peer-review journals.
• During emergency situations, works to extend methods to new matrices in order to produce valid test results quickly in response to foodborne outbreaks.

• A bachelor's degree with a major in microbiology, public health, biochemistry, medical technology or closely allied field which includes at least 20 semester or 30 quarter credit hours in microbiology.
• Four (4) years of professional experience in a microbiology lab or similar lab science laboratory.

• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency
• Commute Trip Reduction Program

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment.