The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced Microbiologist to serve as the Microbial Sequencing Lead within the Core Sequencing and Bioinformatics Division. The incumbent will be responsible for performing next generation sequencing (NGS) on microbial pathogens of public health concern for the purposes of characterization and disease surveillance, and will oversee all aspects of whole genome sequencing surveillance activities under the directive of CDC PulseNet, FDA GenomeTrakr, and the ARLN. This position will assist with development, optimization, and validation of protocols and analysis tools related to surveillance-based sequencing of other organisms, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Cross-train in sequencing of viral pathogens for surge testing as needed. The incumbent will ensure required QC metrics are met and approved bioinformatics pipelines are applied for data analysis, and that sequencing data has been uploaded to national repositories such as SRA, GenBank and GISAID as required Assist Sequencing Core Laboratory Supervisor with ensuring certified staff maintain competency. This position will communicate results with state, local, and federal partners, and will perform other related duties as required, including but not limited to participation/contribution to LIMS implementation and processes associated with the building renovation.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Develops, performs, and supervises next generation sequencing methods in the Sequencing Core Laboratory to support surveillance and characterization of infectious disease outbreaks of pathogens of public health concern.
• May utilize commercial and/or academic bioinformatics tools approved for whole genome, partial genome and metagenome sequence analysis.
• Receive, log, store and process nucleic acid extractions and initiate sample analysis using sound scientific practice and technical skills.
• Follow the quality management program requirements to ensure that all certification and accreditation requirements, including training and competency, are met.
• Assigns work and monitors quality indicators to ensure the accuracy of tests performed.
• Perform quality control activities including verification or validation, routine quality control, and proficiency testing, as assigned.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and report equipment problems according to procedures.
• Report results accurately and completely within the laboratory information management system(s).
• Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment by determining when such supplies, equipment and chemicals must be ordered, and by writing purchases orders to maintain proper supply levels.
• Prepare laboratory-specific quality assurance records and documentation for formal review and approval per agency policy and procedures.
• Cross-train in other laboratory sections as necessary to meet operational needs of the laboratory.
• Once trained and competent, employee will perform second reviewer duties, compliant with regulatory standards, to verify and release test results for all tests for which the employee has been deemed competent. The employee will be eligible to perform verify/release duties for all analysts regardless of classification level provided the employee is competent to perform the verify/release on the specific test.
• Performs other duties as determined by the Division Director/management in response to program needs to include but not limited to participation/contribution to LIMS implementation and processes associated with building renovation.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of basic microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques. These include knowledge of basic microbial culture techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays.
• Comprehension of the quality assurance practices (e.g., equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency, following standard operating procedures) specific to test methods in a diagnostic setting.
• Capability to perform calculations, measurements, and unit conversion calculations.
• Able to effectively and professionally communicate orally and in writing and prepare concise technical reports.
• Capacity to follow work instructions and either work independently or in a team environment.
• Skilled to read and interpret technical manuals, journal articles, and other formal scientific materials.
• Ability to recommend updates to written standard operating procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with an array of laboratory techniques for generating sequencing data from different organisms, as well as, a diverse experience with both low through put and automated instrumentation is desirable.
• Develop presentations for training and informing other laboratorians and partners.

Special Requirements:

• Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents.
• Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.

This position will require work in the BSL-3 laboratory. In the context of work in a BSL-3 environment the successful candidate must understand the following:

• All Tier 1 Staff will undergo a security risk assessment (SRA), which includes signing a confidentiality statement, and renewal every three years.
• Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents.
• All Tier 1 designated staff who may be exposed to Tier 1 Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) must complete OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C), be evaluated and determined able to wear a respirator before working in any HSLI laboratory (Tier 1, non Tier1, and non SAT) that requires a respirator.
• All Tier 1 designated staff are subject to ongoing suitability assessment to ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding Tier 1 Select Agents. Failure to pass the SRA and/or suitability assessment required for access to Tier 1 BSAT may result in being laid off if no other resolution is reached.

As part of the pre-hire process, you will be required to submit transcript(s) for review for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) verification process.

If selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to submit an official transcript from each accredited academic institution to verify the above.

Please note that we will be unable to move forward with your application for this position if you do not meet CLIA qualifications.

About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS):

The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL).

Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment.

The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease. The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety. The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.

We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

More information can be found at: MA Department of Public Health

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #2