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Microbiologist 2

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Microbiologist 2

Salary

$59,345.00 - $90,211.00 Annually

Location

Chester County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2025-35167-32420

Department

Department of Health

Division

HL Div Virlgy Immnlgy

Opening Date

10/22/2025

Closing Date

11/4/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

32420

Position Number

00119362

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST07

Bureau / Division Code

00077351

Bureau / Division

Bureau of Laboratories / Division of Virology and Immunology

Worksite Address

110 Pickering Way

City

Exton, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

19341

Contact Name

John Renninger

Contact Email

[email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

THE POSITION

Are you a skilled microbiologist looking to make a positive impact by playing a key role in safeguarding the health and welfare of Pennsylvanians? Do you have advanced technical experience and precise attention to detail? The Department of Health (DOH), Division of Virology and Immunology is seeking a dedicated Microbiologist 2. Our team conducts specialized laboratory testing on various infectious agents to protect citizens. If you want an exciting public health career that provides rewarding challenges and professional growth, then we encourage you to apply today!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As a Microbiologist 2, you will test for infections and antibodies produced in response to agents that are threats to the health and welfare of the Commonwealth. You will perform brain tissue extraction from suspected rabid animals and direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) testing using rabies conjugates. You will also use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols to observe specific pathogens, detect c lostridium botulinum toxin by inoculating live animals, as well as identify characteristics of growth, pigmentation, and temperature analysis using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight ( MALDI-TOF) techniques. This role requires the ability to perform independent laboratory testing, provide technical consultation and training, and maintain quality control protocols during specimen examination. In addition, you will prepare outsource shipments, maintain records, and provide timely laboratory results and laboratory status updates that support diagnoses, treatments, and control efforts.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD\_NEOGOV.asp?p=00119362) .

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

+ Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week

+ Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.

+ Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.

+ Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

+ You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

+ One year as a Microbiologist 1 ( Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) ; or

+ One ye ar of professional laboratory work experience in microbiology, and a bachelor’s degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry; or

+ A graduate degree in microbiology.

+ Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Conditions of Employment:

+ This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

Other Requirements:

+ You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.

+ You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

+ You must pass a background investigation.

In accordance with the seniority provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement, this position was previously posted for seniority candidates. Since there were no seniority candidates, it is now open to all applicants.

How to Apply:

+ Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

+ If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

+ Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

+ Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

+ Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

+ 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

+ Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

+ Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

+ Your score is valid for this specific posting only.

+ You must provide complete and accurate information or:

+ your score may be lower than deserved.

+ you may be disqualified.

+ You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.

+ Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

01

Condition of Employment- Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?

+ Yes

+ No

02

If you answered yes to the above question, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.

03

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Microbiologist 1 for one or more years full-time?

+ Yes

+ No

04

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

05

Do you possess one year of full-time professional laboratory work experience in microbiology?

+ Yes

+ No

06

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

07

Do you possess a bachelor's degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or Biochemistry?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.

+ Yes

+ No

08

Do you possess a conferred master's degree or higher level degree in microbiology?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.

+ Yes

+ No

09

If you are within three months of completing a master's degree or higher in microbiology, on what date do you expect to graduate? If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the text box.

10

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page. (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx)

+ Yes

11

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – PREPARES SAMPLES FOR LABORATORY ANALYSIS

Prepares human specimens (i.e., blood, serum, etc.), animal samples, or environmental samples (i.e., food, powders, water, etc.) for laboratory analysis using conventional or molecular microbiological methods.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience preparing human specimens, animal samples, AND environmental samples for laboratory analysis using conventional AND molecular microbiological methods.

+ B. I have experience preparing human specimens, animal samples, OR environmental samples for laboratory analysis using conventional AND molecular microbiological methods.

+ C. I have experience preparing human specimens, animal samples, OR environmental samples for laboratory analysis using conventional OR molecular microbiological methods.

+ D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

12

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

+ The type(s) of specimens/samples you prepared.

+ The actual duties you performed related to preparing specimens/samples.

+ Your level of responsibility.

13

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – LABORATORY TESTING

Performs microbiological testing on specimens or samples, records the results, interprets the data, and reports conclusions of the presence or absence of public health infectious agents. Testing methods involve cultures, bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibilities, direct fluorescent antibody, enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), nucleic acid amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and next generation sequencing on human specimens, animal samples, and environmental samples.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience performing laboratory testing on human specimens, animal samples, or environmental samples using all the following methods: culture, bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibilities, direct fluorescent antibody, ELISA, PCR, AND next generation sequencing.

+ B. I have experience performing laboratory testing on human specimens, animal samples, or environmental samples using 4 to 6 of the following methods: culture, bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibilities, direct fluorescent antibody, ELISA, PCR, or next generation sequencing.

+ C. I have experience performing laboratory testing on human specimens, animal samples, or environmental samples using 1 to 3 of the following methods: culture, bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibilities, direct fluorescent antibody, ELISA, PCR, or next generation sequencing.

+ D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

14

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

+ The type(s) of specimens/samples you tested.

+ The actual duties you performed related to testing, recording results, interpreting data and reporting conclusions.

+ Your level of responsibility.

15

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – QUALITY ASSURANCE

Performs analytical method validation/verification and completes periodic quality assurance/assessment activities including the following: performing quality control checks on test procedures and equipment maintenance and function checks. Develops and implements corrective action plans to ensure accuracy of laboratory results and improve efficiency.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience performing analytical method validation/verification and completing periodic quality assurance/assessment activities; AND developing and implementing corrective/preventative action plans to ensure accuracy of laboratory results and improve efficiency.

+ B. I have experience performing analytical method validation/verification and completing periodic quality assurance/assessment activities. I DO NOT have experience developing and implementing corrective/preventative action plans to ensure accuracy of laboratory results and improve efficiency.

+ C. I have experience completing periodic quality assurance/assessment activities. I DO NOT have experience performing analytical method validation/verification or developing and implementing corrective/preventative action plans to ensure accuracy of laboratory results and improve efficiency.

+ D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

16

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

+ The actual duties you performed related to performing method validation/verification and periodic quality assurance/assessment activities.

+ The actual duties you performed related to developing and implementing corrective/preventive action plans.

+ Your level of responsibility.

17

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – REVIEWS, INTERPRETS, AND EXPLAINS SCIENTIFIC OR TECHNICAL MATERIALS

Reviews, interprets, and explains professional scientific or technical materials which may include the results of laboratory analyses and examinations, standard operating procedures, training materials, or other documents relevant to the field of microbiology.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience reviewing, interpreting, AND explaining professional scientific or technical materials.

+ B. I have experience reviewing and interpreting professional scientific and technical materials. I do NOT have experience in explaining scientific or technical materials.

+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to effective communication or technical writing.

+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

18

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

+ The type(s) of material you reviewed, interpreted, or explained.

+ The actual duties you performed related to reviewing, interpreting or explaining professional scientific and technical materials.

+ Your level of responsibility.

19

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Employer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address

613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website

http://www.employment.pa.gov