MICROBIOLOGIST (B077C)

Date: Sep 22, 2023

Req ID: 17170

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72205

Category: ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE DEPT

Anticipated Starting Salary: 40,340

Position Number: 22142776
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: Open Until Filled
Anticipated Starting Salary: 40,340
Lab Services-Virology

Hiring Authority

#1 Natural Resources Drive

Little Rock, AR 72205

Phone: 501/823-1730

Email: jami.carroll@agriculture.arkansas.gov

As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.

Position Information

Class Code: B077C

Grade: GS07

FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT

Salary Range: $40,340.00 - $58,493.00

Summary

The Microbiologist is responsible for preparing samples for testing, conducting tests, and recording results. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Receives specimens/samples of analysis, stores samples until ready for testing, enters sample information in receipt log book, numbers, dates, and prepares samples for laboratory examination. Conducts a variety of microbiological and chemical tests, labels samples, records and interprets results, evaluates data, prepares written analysis, and compiles and prepares productivity and related reports. Establishes and monitors the standards of accuracy, precision, and efficiency in the performance of tests or the operations of equipment, establishes quality control and preventative maintenance systems, and monitors safety compliance. Develops tests and incorporates new laboratory methodologies, updates procedure manuals, and evaluates media, reagents, and standards according to established criteria. Calibrates laboratory equipment, conducts performance checks of equipment and instruments, and maintains laboratory equipment and instruments by correcting malfunctions. Serves as group leader for laboratory workers, resolves or assists with resolving technical problems, and performs all functions of other laboratory workers. Performs method evaluation tests on new procedures and equipment and recommends policy and procedure modifications. Maintains laboratory records and files. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of microbiological theories and principles. Knowledge of the methods and techniques of microbiological tests and analysis. Knowledge of laboratory operations and equipment maintenance. Ability to assign and coordinate work activities and monitor the performance of co-workers and/or subordinates. Ability to perform microbiological tests and analysis. Ability to calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment Ability to write descriptive results of analysis and maintain records. Ability to prepare media, standards, and reagents. Ability to analyze and verify data using confirmation and statistical procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related field; plus two years of experience in laboratory analysis or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Preferred Qualifications

THIS IS A LABORATORY TECHNICIAN POSITION IN VIROLOGY/MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS.
Experience handling potentially infectious and/or hazardous materials including, but not limited to, animal bodily fluids, tissues, microbiological cultures, and agricultural samples containing pesticides.
Experience maintaining cell cultures and performing PCRs.
At least one year of documented experience working within a formal quality management system authoring and revising controlled documents and performing root cause/corrective action analysis.
The ability and willingness to regularly wear personal protective equipment and to comply with fit testing requirements is a fundamental requirement of this position.
Vaccination against rabies may be required, as well as documented maintenance of titer.
Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.
This position is on-site, essential and is not approved for remote work

Laboratory positions involve precise, repetitive work in high-throughput environments, e.g., pipetting, cutting of animal tissues, weighing specimens, etc.