Skip to content
Search Public Health Job Opportunities Across The Nation

Explore national fellowship and internship opportunities

The list includes opportunities with governmental public health agencies, nonprofits organizations, global health initiatives, and more. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, national programs affiliated with the Centers of Disease Control and Preventions (CDC).

Lead Microbiologist, Environmental Microbiology Lab (Micro 3) DOH8811


Lead Microbiologist, Environmental Microbiology Lab


PROJECT -- This project position is funded through July 31, 2027.


This is an in-person/onsite position reporting to the Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, WA, daily.


THE OPPORTUNITY

Join Washington’s Environmental Microbiology Lab and help turn wastewater into one of our most powerful early warning systems for infectious disease. This role sits at the intersection of science, public health impact, and innovation while focusing on developing, validating, and running advanced molecular and genomic testing used for wastewater-based disease surveillance. You will lead the implementation of new pathogen detection and sequencing methods, support routine surveillance and outbreak response testing, and ensure results are accurate, timely, and defensible. The work spans method development, hands on laboratory testing, quality review, and technical guidance for other staff, with a strong emphasis on translating emerging science into reliable, day to day laboratory workflows that support public health action.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the development, validation, and implementation of molecular and sequencing based pathogen detection methods in wastewater
  • Support routine surveillance and outbreak response testing for pathogens such as SARS CoV 2, Legionella, arboviruses, and other emerging threats
  • Translate scientific literature into practical laboratory workflows and testing strategies
  • Partner with academic institutions and external surveillance programs on method development and cross laboratory studies
  • Perform and oversee quality assurance and quality control activities, including data review and assay performance monitoring
  • Train staff, assess competencies, and provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support
  • Maintain compliance with laboratory safety, quality assurance, and accreditation requirements
  • Support environmental testing programs including water bacteriology and shellfish related testing
  • Contribute to planning, inventory management, and future testing capacity within budget constraints
  • Participate in emergency response activities when needed

Why You’ll Love This Role:

  • The work is substantive and technical. You will spend your time building, validating, running, and reviewing real assays that are actively used for surveillance and outbreak response.
  • There is a clear connection between your work and public health outcomes. The data you help produce informs monitoring, investigations, and response efforts across the state.
  • The role balances method development, routine testing, quality review, and technical leadership so no two weeks look exactly the same.


The Ideal Candidate:

You are a scientist who enjoys both building something new and making sure it works reliably every day. You are comfortable digging into the details of molecular methods, data quality, and troubleshooting, but you also enjoy teaching others and being a trusted technical resource. You stay curious, keep up with emerging science, and know how to translate research into practical lab workflows. You value teamwork, clear communication, and accountability, especially in high stakes public health situations.


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

We value all relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. You must meet at least ONE of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. While “Preferred Experience” is not required, these skills or experiences can help you stand out as a candidate.


  • 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.
  • Master's degree in the aforementioned areas will substitute for 1 year of experience.
  • PhD in the aforementioned area will substitute for 2 years of experience.


And the following experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Knowledge of environmental microbiology, environmental testing, environmental health, or microbiology
  • Experience with pathogen detection in wastewater using molecular methods or next generation sequencing
  • Experience creating validation and verification plans that support successful implementation of new laboratory methods
  • Technical aptitude in troubleshooting molecular or sequencing workflows
  • Proficient in using laboratory instruments and associated control and data analysis software
  • Proficient in using desktop computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases
  • Mathematics skills sufficient to solve algebraic problems relevant to laboratory work
  • Ability to train and oversee the work of laboratory technical staff


Preferred/Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience:

  • Experience with wastewater-based epidemiology or other surveillance programs.
  • Experience with environmental microbiology samples such as wastewater, drinking water, marine water, mosquitos, ticks, or other relevant sample types.
  • Experience with qPCR and/or ddPCR.
  • Experience with bacterial isolation and identification.
  • Experience with grant writing, manuscript preparation, and scientific literature review.


ABOUT US: 


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.


We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

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. To learn more about the DOH please visit our website and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and our blog.


Benefits and Lifestyle

We prioritize your work-life balance with one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. At DOH, you’ll find flexibility, growth, and stability. Learn more about why we’re a great place to work by visiting Work@Health.

Conditions of Employment:

The following terms and conditions of employment must be met with or without reasonable accommodation:

 

Work Setting, Including Hazards

  • This position’s work must be completed at the Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, Washington.
  • The role may require working with infectious biological material from highly pathogenic organisms.
  • The position involves working in a laboratory environment with various chemicals that can cause illness, skin irritation, or breathing problems.
  • Work is performed in biosafety cabinets and on laboratory bench tops.

Schedule (Hours and Days)

  • This position works 40 hours per week.
  • The typical schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 4 to 5 days per week.
  • Longer hours may be required to meet project timelines, business needs, emergency response activities, or outbreak response.
  • The DOH Public Health Laboratory operates Monday through Saturday and most holidays.
  • This position must participate in a Saturday and holiday rotation schedule.

Travel Requirements

  • Travel is not required to perform the primary duties of this position.
  • Infrequent travel may be required 1 to 3 times per year to attend meetings, trainings, or conferences.
  • When driving for state business, the employee must be able to legally operate a state or privately owned vehicle or arrange alternate transportation.

Tools and Equipment

  • This position requires the use of standard to complex laboratory equipment and personal protective equipment.
  • Equipment includes incubators, refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges, fume hoods, Autodelfias, fluorescent readers, pipettes, card punchers, tandem mass spectrometers, conventional and real time PCR platforms, and other typical laboratory equipment.
  • Duties also require the use of computers, copiers, printers, fax machines, and standard office furniture and equipment.

Customer Interactions

  • This position interacts with clinical laboratories, specimen submitters, state epidemiologists, county health officials, state program staff, and laboratory staff from other states.
  • Customers include specific Department of Health programs and projects receiving testing results.
  • External partners include the Shellfish and Drinking Water programs, Washington State Ferries, the University of Washington, and selected shellfish growers.

Other

  • The DOH campus is a smoke free, drug free, alcohol free, scent neutral environment.
  • This position may be required to conduct or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

Representation: 




APPLICATION INFORMATION:


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 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 with your application.


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.


Veterans Preference

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or 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.


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 at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference the assigned “DOHXXXX” recruitment number.


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. A 5% salary increase is included in the advertised pay.

Date Posted
01/28/2026
Job Reference
DOH8811
Organization
Dept. of Health, Public Health Laboratories (PHL)
Location
King County - Shoreline, WA
Category
Biology
Apply Back

Connect with Local, State, and Territorial Health Departments

To find local governmental public health jurisdictions, see - www.naccho.org