SENIOR MICROBIOLOGIST

Date: Mar 4, 2023

Req ID: 26576

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72205

Category: ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE DEPT

Anticipated Starting Salary: $45,010

Position Number: 22165193
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: Open Until Filled
Anticipated Starting Salary: $45,010
Lab Services

Hiring Authority:

1 Natural Resources Drive

Little Rock, AR 72205

Phone: 501/823-1751

Email: susan.house@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: B127C

Grade: GS08

FLSA Status: EXEMPT

Salary Range: $45,010.00 - $65,265.00

Summary

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

Functions

Provides general supervision of the work of laboratory, clinical, environmental and administrative staff by assigning and prioritizing work assignments, providing instructions, providing training and assuring employee work performance is evaluated. 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. 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, biology, chemistry, or other program related fields; plus three years of experience in laboratory testing and analysis, laboratory operations or a related field, including one year in a microbiology laboratory and one year in a leadership capacity. 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. June 9, 2011

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:

Reporting to the microbiology section supervisor, the incumbent will function as the team leader for the State of Arkansas’ program for Chronic Wasting Disease screening using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure. Managing this program, which is a partnership between the Arkansas Agriculture Department and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, demands authentic laboratory skills in high-throughput, high-complexity bench work coupled with seasoned interpersonal skills for scheduling personnel and interacting with external stakeholders. Seasonal surges in sample throughput will require the utmost in productivity, and off-peak workflow in the bacteriology section will also be an essential element of this position. Familiarity with prion diseases is highly sought.

Documented experience performing high complexity laboratory procedures on a large volume of samples (high throughput).
Documented experience assessing and adapting laboratory workflows to maximize efficiency and accuracy of laboratory processes.
Documented experience managing laboratory inventories.
Documented experience troubleshooting equipment failures and performing routine preventative maintenance as scheduled.
Ability to work alone and within a team.
Documented experience writing standard operating procedures.
Minimum 3 years laboratory experience with documentation of increasing responsibilities in the laboratory.

Documented experience working in a BSL-2 (enhanced) laboratory setting handling animal tissues