Lead Microbiologist, Environmental Microbiology Lab

Join Washington’s Environmental Microbiology Lab and help turn wastewater into one of our most powerful early warning systems for infectious disease. This role sits at the intersection of science, public health impact, and innovation while focusing on developing, validating, and running advanced molecular and genomic testing used for wastewater-based disease surveillance. You will lead the implementation of new pathogen detection and sequencing methods, support routine surveillance and outbreak response testing, and ensure results are accurate, timely, and defensible.

The work spans method development, hands on laboratory testing, quality review, and technical guidance for other staff, with a strong emphasis on translating emerging science into reliable, day to day laboratory workflows that support public health action.

• Lead the development, validation, and implementation of molecular and sequencing based pathogen detection methods in wastewater
• Support routine surveillance and outbreak response testing for pathogens such as SARS CoV 2, Legionella, arboviruses, and other emerging threats
• Translate scientific literature into practical laboratory workflows and testing strategies
• Partner with academic institutions and external surveillance programs on method development and cross laboratory studies
• Perform and oversee quality assurance and quality control activities, including data review and assay performance monitoring
• Train staff, assess competencies, and provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support
• Maintain compliance with laboratory safety, quality assurance, and accreditation requirements
• Support environmental testing programs including water bacteriology and shellfish related testing
• Contribute to planning, inventory management, and future testing capacity within budget constraints
• Participate in emergency response activities when needed

Option 1: 6 or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory including 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses
- OR - 24 semester hours of science courses that includes Six (6) semester hours of chemistry, Six (6) semester hours of biology, and Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination

AND Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria:
Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS
- OR - At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent performs high complexity testing.

• Option 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science,
  WHICH INCLUDES 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms; AND three (3) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory.
• Master's degree in the aforementioned areas will substitute for 1 year of experience.
• PhD in the aforementioned area will substitute for 2 years of experience.

• Knowledge of environmental microbiology, environmental testing, environmental health, or microbiology
• Experience with pathogen detection in wastewater using molecular methods or next generation sequencing
• Experience creating validation and verification plans that support successful implementation of new laboratory methods
• Technical aptitude in troubleshooting molecular or sequencing workflows
• Proficient in using laboratory instruments and associated control and data analysis software
• Proficient in using desktop computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases
• Mathematics skills sufficient to solve algebraic problems relevant to laboratory work
• Ability to train and oversee the work of laboratory technical staff