Public Health Microbiologist 1

Job Description

This Individual Position is Exempt from the Hiring Freeze. Qualified Applicants are Encouraged To Apply.

Welcome to the Department of Health!

We’d be delighted to have you join our team.

If you envision yourself in this role and are ready to start an exciting career with us, apply today!

This position is open to Alaskan Residents only.

Please check out the

residency definition

to determine if you qualify.

Do you want to join the fight against viral diseases, one of the biggest threats to public health in Alaska and beyond?

Apply for the Public Health Microbiologist 1 position at the Alaska State Virology Laboratory (ASVL) and work with a senior virologist and a team of technicians to perform and oversee tests on clinical samples for various viral infections.

What you will be doing:

You will collaborate with partners to ensure the quality and accuracy of results and support the public health response. This is not just a routine lab job. This is an opportunity to make an impact for Alaskans and the world by using cutting-edge methods, learning from experts, and participating in research. You will also work with diverse viruses and molecular techniques, expanding your virology skills. If this sounds like you, don’t hesitate to apply and join our mission to protect and improve the health of Alaskans.

Our organization, mission, and culture:

The mission of the Division of Public Health is to protect and promote the health of Alaskans.

As a member of our team, you will contribute every day to the improvement of the health of Alaskans and their families.

The Division of Public Health exemplifies these values:

Accountability-

We are committed to responsible use of human, financial, and environmental resources.

Respect-

We provide services without discrimination or judgment.

Human potential-

We are committed to developing each Alaskan's potential as a healthy individual as well as fostering strong, healthy communities.

Integrity-

We are honest and ethical in all we do.

Scientific Excellence-

We are committed to adding to and contributing to the body of scientific knowledge and using the best available knowledge and data to set public health policy.

The benefits of joining our team:

You will become part of a dynamic, diverse, and high-performing team working in a state-of-the-art laboratory and receive guidance from experienced mentors who will help you develop your skills and network. You will also have the chance to progress your career within the Public Health Microbiologist class series and take on new roles and responsibilities. We care about your health and wellbeing and respect your work-life balance. That’s why we offer you a stable daytime schedule, breaks, paid holidays and leave, along with retirement benefits. You will also love working in a friendly and supportive environment that promotes collaboration and innovation.

The working environment you can expect:

We are located on the scenic University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) upper campus. You will benefit from the university perks, such as attending virology seminars, eating at campus cafes, and using the extensive 10-kilometer trail system for walking, running, or skiing. You will work with a group of professional staff who share your vision of protecting and improving the health and wellbeing of Alaskans. The division boasts a large and broad range of experienced, dedicated, and supportive staff.

We take pride in our work and value every employee. Public health is essential to keeping communities safe, and we work with partners across Alaska and the nation to protect our population’s well-being.

Who we are looking for:

The ideal candidate will possess some or all of the following position-specific competencies in addition to the minimum qualifications listed below:

Genetics:

Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of genetics, including the biochemistry of DNA, gene interaction, gene expression, gene inheritance, population genetics, adaptation, and evolution.

Accountability:

Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for own actions and decisions. Complies with established control systems and rules.

Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving:

Uses a logical, systematic, and sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one's knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.

Special Notice

:

Requires demonstration of immunity via vaccination to hepatitis B virus and rabies virus (which will be provided if the applicant cannot demonstrate immunity).

Preferred candidates will meet the federal criteria for testing personnel in high complexity laboratories described in 42 CFR § 493.1489 – Standard; Testing personnel qualifications.

To view the general description and example of duties for this job class, please go to the following link and search for

Public Health Microbiologist 1

:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/

classspecs

Minimum Qualifications

Competency-Based Minimum Qualifications Instructions

This job class uses competency-based minimum qualifications.

Please ensure your application

(through work history, volunteer experience (duties summary), training, education, licenses, certifications, etc.) supports how you have gained the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors (competencies) and that you possess the minimum required competencies for the job class.

Competency Description

The competency description(s) listed below have been designed to promote a common understanding of the essential elements of the job class.  They highlight the more general and customary knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), tasks, and behaviors used to describe the competency.  They typically list expectations rather than specific tasks and are to be used only as parameters and guidelines.   A competency’s description is not intended to exclusively define every KSA, task, and behavior needed to successfully meet the competency, but rather to provide the manager/agency with a broad reference of options as to how an applicant can meet the job expectation.

Please ensure your application (through work history, training, education, licenses, certifications, etc.) supports/demonstrates that you possess the minimum required competencies for the job class.

Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with competencies in:

Biology:

Knowledge of the environment, plant and animal living tissue, cells, organisms, and entities, including their functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Chemistry:

Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the composition, structure, and properties of substances, and of the chemical processes and transformations, including uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Attention to Detail:

Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

Evidence-Based Practice:

Integrates best research practices with clinical expertise and patient values for optimum care and participates in learning and research activities to the extent feasible.

Public Health:

Applies knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, methods, and tools associated with protecting and improving the health of people and their communities, including promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases.

equivalent to those typically gained by:

Bachelor of Science degree or higher from an accredited institution in Medical Technology, Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Biological Science, or Chemistry, with training and/or course work in Medical/Clinical Laboratory Sciences;

AND

Experience conducting, analyzing, and evaluatin