CLIA Tuberculosis and Rabies General Supervisor

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Microbiologist III

Opening Date: December 3, 2024

Closing Date: December 16, 2024

Job Class Code: 4220
Grade:  25 (Supervisory)
Salary: $57,408.00 - $81,078.40 per year* 

*Plus an additional 5.5% stipend

Position Number: 02031-0521    

Location: Augusta

The Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory is the sole Public Health Laboratory for the State of Maine.  The laboratory conducts diagnostic and surveillance testing for viruses and bacteria associated with foodborne and waterborne disease, vaccine preventable disease, vectorborne disease, respiratory disease, hospital associated disease, and sexually transmitted disease.  Our results are used by the medical profession in patient care and by infectious disease epidemiologists in outbreak scenarios and public health. 

Core Responsibilities:

In this supervisory position, within the clinical microbiology section at the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL), you will fulfill the duties outlined in the 42 CFR § 493.1463 - Standard: General supervisor responsibilities section of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Law. You will supervise and perform testing on specimens for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and animal specimens for Rabies virus, using techniques such as: mycobacteriology culture, real-time PCR, sanger sequencing, serology, and immunofluorescence. 
You will also:
•    Supervise the autoclaves, the washroom and the production of culture media and chemical solutions.
•    Assist the clinical microbiology supervisor in grant writing, protocol writing, finances, and quality improvement initiatives 
•    Participate in annual biosafety and chemical safety trainings
•    Participate in the Federal CDC LRN-B network
•    Participate in the Federal CDC and USDA Select Agent Program 
•    Review QA/QC metrics for standard operating procedures
•    Act as a liaison for assisting the State TB controller, TB consultants and State epidemiologist in all matters of laboratory testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
•    Maintain CLIA competencies and proficiency testing for supervised employees
•    Receive preexposure vaccination for Rabies
•    Receive a Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST)

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree in Microbiology and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in a related microbiological field. Experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred candidates will also have:
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills
•    Professional certification such as ASCP, MLT, or MT.
•    Knowledge and experience with real time PCR, mycobacteriology, and necropsy.
•    Knowledge and experience with federal laboratory guidelines such as CAP and/or CLIA.  
•    A working knowledge of a laboratory information management system (LIMS)
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills.
•    The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners.
•    Ability to work with managers and staff to identify training needs and research information on training/meeting opportunities, or to provide outreach materials for systems in need of technical assistance.
•    Have the education and experience to fulfill the duties outlined in the 42 CFR § 493.1463 - Standard: General supervisor responsibilities section of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Law 
•    Have the education and experience to fulfill the duties outlined in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) Fees; Histocompatibility, Personnel, and Alternative Sanctions for Certificate of Waiver Laboratories (CMS-3326-F); Published 12/28/2023, Effective 1/27/2024 Personnel updates effective 12/28/2024.
•    2 years’ experience in a CLIA high complexity laboratory
•    2 years’ experience as a supervisor in a CLIA high complexity laboratory 

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.

Agency information: 

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity