Job Posting: Senior Microbiologist

Department of Public Health

JC-473835
-
Senior Microbiologist
PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST II

$6,523.00 - $9,373.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 4/29/2025

Job Description and Duties

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by providing public health laboratory testing to identify and characterize microbial pathogens and support outbreak investigations.

 

Under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor I (RSSI) (Microbiologist) of the Bacterial Diseases Section (BDS), Reference Bacteriology Unit, the Public Health Microbiologist II (PHM II) assists the Unit Supervisor in planning daily laboratory work; uses specialized conventional and molecular methods, develops and applies complex, non-standardized analyses; contributes to and follows quality assurance procedures; and performs other functions typical of a State reference laboratory such as providing limited technical consultation to local public health and clinical laboratorians, directors, physicians and officials of other State, local, and private agencies.  The PHM II is primarily involved in identification and characterization of a variety of bacterial organisms, including drug resistant bacteria (e.g. carbapenem-resistant organisms, CRO), and assists with coordinating specimen send-out to reference laboratories and triage test reports.  The incumbent will also provide coverage for CRO, vaccine preventable pathogens, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST).

 

The candidate is expected to have advanced laboratory knowledge and skills to perform the duties of this position, including culture inoculation, use of conventional microbiological methods and bacterial staining techniques, ability to use a pipette, demonstration of good aseptic technique, knowledge and understanding of basic operation of general laboratory equipment, and demonstration of safe laboratory practices when handling infectious / hazardous materials.  Work is performed in a Biological Safety Level (BSL)-2 laboratory; demonstration of safe BSL-2 practices is required. For assigned molecular testing responsibilities, including PCR and sequencing, the PHM II must demonstrate good laboratory technique to avoid contamination or other test errors, basic knowledge of molecular methods and troubleshooting, and ability to work with various computer software applications to analyze results.

 

The incumbent works under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor I (RSSI) (Microbiologist) of the of the Bacterial Diseases Section (BDS), Reference Bacteriology Unit.


Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDPHRecruitment

 

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions


Telework Information

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework permitted is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with CDPH’s Telework Program. All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.


Travel may be required for this position. Reimbursement for travel takes into consideration an employee’s designated headquarters, as reflected in the duty statement, and is subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the designated headquarters office will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

The headquarters office location for this position is identified in the attached duty statement.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-473835
Position #(s):
580-731-7948-046
Working Title:
Senior Microbiologist
Classification:
PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST II
$6,523.00 - $9,373.00 A
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Contra Costa County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.

All employees shall possess the general qualifications, as described in California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 172, which include, but are not limited to integrity, honesty, dependability, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.

This position requires the incumbent to maintain consistent and regular attendance; communicate effectively (orally and in writing) in dealing with the public and/or other employees; develop and maintain knowledge and skill related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, tools, and equipment; complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner; and, adhere to departmental policies and procedures.

All California Department of Public Health (CDPH) employees perform work that is of the utmost importance, where each employee is important in supporting and promoting an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, essential to the delivery of the department’s mission. All employees are valued and should understand that their contributions and the contributions of their team members derive from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, supporting innovations in public health services and programs for California.


*The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.

 

 

*The CDPH is not currently an E-Verify employer.

 

Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov

Special Requirements

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process, and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678) and/or Resume, including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY).  Application packages without this information will experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

 

A completed State application (STD. 678) and any other relevant documents (e.g. unofficial transcript, copy of degree, resume, etc.) should be submitted electronically via your CalCareers Account. Please reference Job Control # (473835) and indicate the basis of your eligibility in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) section. SROA and surplus candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e. social security number, date of birth) from your documents prior to submission.

 

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareers Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. Submitting an electronic application through your CalCareers account is strongly recommended since electronic applications will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing. Please submit only one application.

 

If you are unable to submit your application electronically through your CalCareers account, please email apply@cdph.ca.gov for assistance and a CDPH Human Resources Division staff member will contact you to assist with the online application process or, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method as explained in the How to Apply section below. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.



Will also consider Temporary Authorization Utilization (TAU) appointments- Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications for the classification but do not currently have eligibility on an employment certification list by having taken and passed an examination may apply as a TAU. TAU appointments are limited to a duration of 9 months within a 12 consecutive month period. In order for a TAU appointment to become permanent, individuals must take and pass the related examination, and thereby become eligible from a certification list, within 9 months of TAU appointment. Individuals who successfully obtain eligibility prior to the expiration of the TAU appointment will not be required to re-compete in a competitive process for permanent appointment to that position.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 4/29/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Temporary Appointments may be considered if conditions warrant. Temporary Appointments may be made to anyone regardless of eligibility. Temporary Appointments may not exceed 9 months and will require eligibility to be obtained through an examination process in order to transition to a permanent appointment.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Public Health
CCAU Mailing
Attn: Classification & Certification Unit
P.O. Box 997378
MS 1700-1702
Sacramento, CA 95899-7378

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Public Health
CCAU Drop Off
Classification & Certification Unit
1615 Capitol Avenue Suite 73.430
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

  • Knowledge of Bacteriological, virological, mycological, parasitological, serological and other microbiological principles, techniques, equipment, and terminology used in the laboratory for the detection and identification of disease agents; quality control procedures applicable to general field of microbiology; bacteriological principles, techniques, and terminology used in the examination of food and water; principles, techniques and terminology used in immunology; the common causes of disease and methods of transmission and control of communicable diseases; laboratory scientific resource material; laboratory equipment and its care. 
  • In-depth knowledge and experience in various areas of public health microbiology, regulations, laboratory testing procedures, reporting, and competency assessment.  
  • Ability to perform microbiological laboratory tests; do varied and difficult laboratory work; provide technical guidance to assistants; keep records and make reports; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; work cooperatively and effectively with others; observe proper safety precautions and procedures.
  • Knowledge and experience in health and laboratory safety, CAL/OSHA, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and standards; and Knowledge of Technical skills in online tools, collaboration, and online training platforms.
  • Working knowledge of MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Teams), Zoom.
  • Knowledge and experience in quality control and quality assurance programs in public health laboratories, including equipment, microbiological media, reagents, and general laboratory operations.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources Division
(916) 445-0983
apply@cdph.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Ana Garcia
(510) 412-3700
AnaB.Garcia@cdph.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 445-0938
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job