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Flex Lead Microbiologist, Public Health Laboratories (Micro 3) DOH8825




Flex Lead Microbiologist, Public Health Laboratories


This is a full-time onsite position located at our Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline, WA.


This Non-Permanent Appointment has a duration of 7 months.


The Opportunity


The Public Health Laboratories Microbiology Office supports a wide range of testing that protects communities across Washington State, from routine surveillance to urgent outbreak response. Testing demand shifts constantly due to seasonal patterns, emerging public health issues, and staffing variability, making flexibility and technical depth essential.


This Flex Lead Microbiologist 3 role is built for that reality. You will rotate across microbiology laboratory sections, performing high impact bench testing, maintaining critical testing capacity, and stepping in when volumes surge or gaps arise. By maintaining competency in key methods across multiple sections, you help ensure testing continues without delay and results reach partners when they matter most.


The work is hands on, fast paced, and highly collaborative. You will integrate quickly into different lab teams, apply strong quality and safety practices, support result review when needed, and contribute to validation and verification efforts that keep testing reliable and ready. This role is central to maintaining continuity of operations and strengthening the lab’s ability to respond when public health demands change quickly.


Key Responsibilities Include:

  • Perform high impact bench testing across multiple microbiology laboratory sections to support surge capacity and continuity of operations
  • Maintain technical competency in one to two critical methods per lab section through ongoing training and rotation
  • Review data and support timely release of laboratory results when needed
  • Provide mentorship and day to day technical guidance to junior laboratory staff
  • Support method validation and verification efforts including documentation, data review, and quality checks
  • Apply quality assurance and laboratory safety principles consistently across all assigned work
  • Contribute to outbreak response and emergency surge testing efforts as required


Why You’ll Love This Role:

  • You make an immediate, visible impact when labs need support the most
  • Your work directly supports statewide public health response and preparedness
  • You work alongside skilled microbiologists who value collaboration and professionalism
  • You help strengthen the lab system by mentoring others and modeling best practices

What You Bring:

You thrive in environments where priorities shift quickly and your ability to adapt is a strength, not a stressor. You are confident stepping into new lab settings, applying sound judgment, and getting up to speed fast without needing to be the subject matter expert for every assay. You value quality, safety, and teamwork, and you lead by example through calm problem solving and strong interpersonal skills. You enjoy mentoring others, supporting shared goals, and being the person teams can rely on when things get busy.


Minimum Qualifications 

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile. 


  • Option 1: 6 or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory including 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses - OR - 24 semester hours of science courses that includes Six (6) semester hours of chemistry, Six (6) semester hours of biology, and Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination AND Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria: Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS - OR - At least three (3)months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent performs high complexity testing.


  • Option 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, WHICH INCLUDES 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms; AND three (3) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory. 

  • A Master's degree in the aforementioned areas will substitute for 1 year of experience.

  • A PhD in the aforementioned area will substitute for 2 years of experience.


Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

  • Experience working in a Public Health Laboratory.
  • Experience in performing microbiology bench testing in a regulated laboratory environment
  • Experience learning and maintaining competency in multiple laboratory methods or testing areas
  • Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and quality control principles
  • Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and risk mitigation
  • Experience reviewing analytical data and supporting result release activities
  • Experience supporting or participating in method validation or verification activities


Preferred Qualifications

While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

  • Experience working in more than one Microbiology discipline (Virology, bacteriology, Parasitology, Mycology, etc.).
  • Experience working in a public health laboratory
  • Experience providing day-to-day technical guidance, work direction, and mentoring to staff without formal supervisory authority
  • Experience performing high-complexity microbiology testing across multiple organism types
  • Experience writing or revising validation plans, validation reports, or standard operating procedures
  • Experience using laboratory quality management or document control systems
  • Experience mentoring or coaching junior laboratory staff
  • Experience supporting surge testing or emergency response activities
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office tools and software such as Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, etc.


The Public Health Laboratories – Where Science Protects Communities

At the Public Health Laboratories, every test matters. From hunting emerging pathogens to ensuring every newborn in the state gets life-saving screenings, your work will drive disease detection, outbreak response, and protect Washington’s most vulnerable. We’re the state’s reference lab, tracking rare threats like rabies, hantavirus, and West Nile virus, analyzing outbreaks, and safeguarding food and water safety. Here, science meets service in a collaborative, equity-driven team committed to real-world impact and public health at scale.


Employee Benefits 

We offer a solid benefits package through the State’s Public Employees Benefits Board that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health.  Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health. 


About the Washington State Department of Health

We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.


Working Conditions:

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.


Work Setting and Safety

  • This role is based on site in a laboratory setting due to the hands on nature of the work. You will spend extended periods sitting or standing, working at a computer, and using laboratory equipment such as microscopes. The job includes lifting and moving laboratory supplies or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
  • You will work directly with infectious specimens and samples. Personal protective equipment is required and varies by laboratory setting. This includes lab coats, gloves, and eye protection for BSL2 work, and additional protective gear such as respirators, gowns, and boot covers for BSL3 work. Laboratory conditions may occasionally be warm or cold depending on the work area and equipment in use.

Schedule

  • The position requires an on site presence Monday through Friday. A flexible schedule may be available between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. with approval. During outbreaks, emergency response, or periods of high testing demand, occasional work outside normal hours may be required, including evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Travel

  • Limited travel may be required for job related meetings or conferences, typically one to two trips per year. When travel is required, you must be able to use state approved transportation or arrange an alternative.

Tools and Equipment

  • You will use a variety of laboratory instruments and systems, including microscopes, PCR and DNA or RNA extraction platforms, sequencing and identification equipment, incubators, centrifuges, pipettes, and other high throughput laboratory tools.
  • The role also involves working with laboratory information systems, quality documentation, standard operating procedures, and computer based resources.

Collaboration and Communication

  • This position works closely with public health partners across the department, including epidemiology and program staff, as well as external partners such as local health departments, specimen submitters, and vendors.

Other Expectations

  • Laboratory appropriate attire is required in accordance with Department of Health safety policies. As part of a first response public health agency, staff may be asked to support emergency response efforts during public health events, including participating in trainings or response activities as directed.
  • This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. 
  • PHL technical personnel performing testing or other tasks that require color discrimination are to be evaluated for difficulty with visual color discernment. This is a regulatory requirement for the PHL to comply with as part of our College of American Pathologists Accreditation. 
  • You may be required to undergo vaccinations for laboratory contaminants as determined and required by management. Incumbent may receive vaccinations due to potential exposure to certain agents within the laboratory. 



APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.


Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).


DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.



Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year


Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.  


DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. 


Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Shawnelle Goalder, Talent Acquisition Consultant/Recruiterat employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8825 in the subject. 


Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues. 


Qualifications

This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days. 


Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration. 


Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.


This position is located in King County. The advertised pay includes a 5% location-based salary adjustment.

This position’s advertised salary includes a 5% premium for required dual-language duties. 

Date Posted
02/04/2026
Job Reference
DOH8825
Organization
Dept. of Health, Public Health Laboratories (PHL)
Location
King County - Shoreline, WA
Category
Biology
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