Microbiologist II

The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is seeking applicants with strong laboratory skills for a Microbiologist II position in the Bureau of Public Health and Aquaculture in the Water Quality laboratory located at the Boothbay facility.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position will work primarily in the Water Quality laboratory and will provide support for the Biotoxin laboratory as necessary.

• The position will lead daily laboratory sample processing, sample scheduling and work with the other Microbiologists to maintain all quality control for laboratory methods performed in compliance with the Maine Bureau of Public Health Quality Assurance Manual and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP).
• Water Quality laboratory includes analysis of fecal coliforms in seawater and shellfish samples using membrane filtration and multiple tube fermentation, operation of autoclaves, critical temperature monitoring, preparation of media, solutions and bacterial controls, and data entry.
• Biotoxin laboratory work involves enumeration of marine phytoplankton utilizing bright-field microscopy, shellfish tissue extraction and testing with high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV), preparation of chemical solutions and mobile phases, and data entry,
• Opportunity to learn HPLC-post column oxidation method for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) toxin monitoring as well as contribute to validation and verification of emerging biotoxin and microbiology testing methods.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• This position requires basic laboratory skills including pipetting, solution preparation, knowledge of measurement units, mastery of laboratory calculations with basic PC software, general safety practices, aseptic techniques, and attention to detail.
• The successful candidate is self-motivated to recognize the tasks that need to be completed and to perform those tasks according to Standard Operating Procedures with limited supervision.
• The successful candidate is motivated to research new scientific methods for potential implementation into the program.

This position will have some flexibility to work remotely, dependent on the needs of the program.

For questions specific to the position, please contact the Hiring Manager, Amy Webb, at: amy.webb@maine.gov

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or related scientific field and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a related microbiological field. Responsible experience in microbiology may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preference will be given to candidates with laboratory experience in a regulatory setting and experience researching and running new methods. Knowledge of membrane filtration, bacterial culturing, HPLC, or PCR is preferred. Experience with Microsoft Access, R, Python, or other programming languages is a plus.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the “APPLY” button below along with uploading a Cover Letter and a current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you can’t apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter and Resume, before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—”Dirigo” or “I lead”—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce’s health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value).
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.                                                                     

There’s a job and then there’s purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.  Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

Apply by: Nov. 8, 2024