Salary: $71,101.80 - $95,621.40 Annually
Location : King County - Shoreline, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: DOH8653
Department: Dept. of Health
Division: Disease Control and Health Statistics (DCHS)
Opening Date: 06/17/2025
Closing Date: 6/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Lead Microbiologist (Microbiologist 3)

Permanent Appointment | Shoreline, WA | Onsite/In Person
Please note: The salary listed does not reflect the upcoming 3% general wage increase effective July 1, 2025.
What You Will Do:

By joining our team, you'll contribute to a statewide effort to prevent and control disease outbreaks, ensuring a healthier future for all Washingtonians.
Join a mission-driven team dedicated to protecting the health of Washington communities. As the Lead Microbiologist for the Enteric Bacteriology Laboratory, you'll play a critical role in identifying and responding to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses like Salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella. You'll oversee day-to-day lab operations, guide and train laboratory staff, ensure the quality and accuracy of testing, and collaborate with public health partners across the state. Your leadership will directly support timely, accurate data that helps protect thousands of people from infectious diseases.
Key Responsibilities:

Training & Competency Oversight

• Conduct initial and ongoing training for lab staff across all relevant testing methods.
• Perform and document competency assessments at required intervals.
• Deliver remedial training as needed to maintain performance standards.
• Ensure all training documentation meets compliance requirements.

Quality Control & Results Review

• Review daily, weekly, and batch quality control data.
• Validate and release test results to submitting stakeholders.
• Investigate and resolve quality control issues through root cause analysis.
• Provide responsive customer service to internal and external partners.

Technical Expertise & Support

• Serve as a subject matter expert to lab staff and stakeholders.
• Oversee proper equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Support epidemiologists with laboratory data reporting and tracking.

Bench Testing & Surge Capacity

• Maintain personal proficiency in bench testing methods.
• Provide bench-level testing support during staff shortages or high-demand periods.

New Methods Validation

• Work with lab leadership to implement new testing methodologies.
• Develop and execute validation plans per established guidelines.
• Document validation studies thoroughly and assist with protocol development.

Laboratory Safety Compliance

• Adhere to all safety protocols and practices.
• Report safety incidents and participate in creating a safe lab environment.

Other Duties

• Enter and maintain laboratory data in various systems (e.g., StarLIMS, LabVantage).
• Support cross-training and surge events in other laboratory sections.
• Interact with agencies such as FDA, state epidemiologists, and local health jurisdictions.

What We're Looking For:

The ideal candidate is a mission-driven professional with strong technical expertise, leadership ability, and a commitment to public health service. You'll thrive in this role if you bring:

• Extensive experience in clinical or environmental bacteriology, including work with enteric pathogens.
• Proficiency with molecular diagnostic methods, including real-time PCR.
• Knowledge of laboratory regulatory standards such as CLIA, CAP, FDA, or ISO.
• Experience training and mentoring laboratory staff.
• Strong quality control, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, documentation, and data integrity.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external partners.
• Willingness to participate in emergency response activities when needed.

We value all relevant experience, whether paid or unpaid and your diverse experiences can make a difference in this role. To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the required qualification options listed and any additional qualifications included in the required qualifications section. Experience may have been gained concurrently

Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Ten (10) 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 in microbiology or another biomedical science WHICH INCLUDES at least 20 semester or equivalent quarter credit hours in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms, and three (3) years of experience in a microbiology laboratory.

• A Maters degree will substitute for one (1) year of experience in a microbiology laboratory.

• A PhD will substitute for two (2) years of experience in a microbiology laboratory.

Demonstrated experience in the following:

• Recent experience in a public health or microbiology laboratory performing clinical or environmental bacteriology.
• Experience with real-time PCR and other molecular diagnostic technologies.
• Knowledge of CLIA, CAP, or ISO 15189 quality management systems.
• Ability to train, mentor, and oversee the work of laboratory technical staff.
• Experience developing, evaluating, validating, and implementing new laboratory methods, procedures, and instrumentation.
• Ability to read, synthesize, interpret, and clearly present technical information, both orally and in writing.
• Proficient in reviewing laboratory test results and quality control data.
• Experience performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions in response to QC failures or testing errors.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data entry for laboratory reporting.
• Familiarity with laboratory biosafety practices (BSL-2 or higher).

Preferred Qualifications:

The qualifications below are what would make you a strong fit for this role. While these aren't required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

• Experience working with enteric pathogens (e.g. Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and/or Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.)
• Proficiency in experimental design and troubleshooting
• Proficient use of standard office software, such as Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, etc

Who We Are:

The PHL: Empowering Health and Protecting Communities!

The Washington State Public Health Laboratories (PHL) provides essential support to local health jurisdictions and healthcare providers in disease monitoring and outbreak response. Serving as the reference laboratory, PHL identifies rare diseases such as Rabies, Hantavirus, and West Nile virus, along with analyzing clinical samples for statewide outbreaks and shellfish contamination. With a focus on public health, PHL plays a critical role in safeguarding communities and addressing potential health threats.
We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

At the Department of Health (DOH), we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement. 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 and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "Why DOH" by visiting Work@Health.
Conditions of Employment:

You must be prepared, with or without accommodations, to do the following:
Location, Schedule, and Flexibility: Join our onsite team at the Public Health Laboratory in Shoreline, WA, and collaborate directly with colleagues in a dynamic work environment.

• Flexible schedule available within the lab's core hours of 6 AM - 6 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Occasional work beyond 40 hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, may be requested for outbreak response or emergencies

Work Setting, Including Hazards:

• On-site work is required due to the nature of laboratory duties.
• Work occurs in a clinical/environmental lab setting.
• Exposure to infectious material, including bacterial pathogens and human specimens (BBP).
• Use of chemicals and bleach is required.
• Use of appropriate PPE, including respiratory protection; respirator fit testing, medical evaluations, and training provided by DOH.
• Lifting up to 40 lbs. may be required; ability to stand for up to 2 continuous hours.
• Required vaccinations for laboratory-related pathogens as determined by management.

Travel Requirements:

• Infrequent travel may be required for job-related training, conferences, and meetings.
• Travel may include overnight stays in or out of state.

Tools and Equipment:

• Biosafety cabinets, laboratory PPE (including respirators), pipettes, PCR machines, laboratory databases, and computer workstations.

Customer Interactions:

• Regular contact with specimen submitters, local and state health officials, CDC, FDA, and internal epidemiology staff.

Other Requirements:

• Laboratory-appropriate daily attire is required.
• As DOH is a first-response agency, all staff may be called upon for emergency response efforts.
• Representation: This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
• PHL technical personnel who perform testing or tasks requiring color discrimination must be assessed for color vision deficiencies. This evaluation is required to maintain compliance with College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation standards.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
Click "Apply" to complete your application. Be sure to attach your resume, cover letter, and at least three professional references (supervisor, a peer, and someone you've supervised or led (if applicable)). Please don't include private details like your SSN or birth year.
Be sure to include your years of experience and any tools, software, or applications listed in the qualifications. Please attach your resume, cover letter, references, and DD-214 (if applicable). Do not include personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.
Application Materials

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.
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 accommodation in the application or selection process, or need information in an alternative format, contact Shawnelle Goalder at [email protected]. For general DOH recruitment questions, email the Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected]. Deaf or hard of hearing contact Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1; individuals outside of Washington State contact Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6874.
Technical Support

Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts

Supplemental Information
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.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022
01

Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity?

• a. DOH Employment Site/Job Alerts
• b. DOH Employee
• c. Friend or Acquaintance
• d. Indeed
• e. LinkedIn
• f. Careers.wa.gov
• g. Job Fair - if selected, answer Question 2
• h. Other - if selected, answer Question 2

02

If you selected "g" or "h" to Question 1: Where you first heard about this employment opportunity?
03

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

04

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status? (e.g. H-1B, F1, TN, etc.) DOH is not an E-Verify agency)

• Yes
• No

05

I have read and I understand the Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions that are listed in the job posting and I am willing and able to accept these conditions if offered and accept the position.I have reviewed my responses to the supplemental questions to ensure their accuracy. I understand that once my application is submitted, these responses cannot be modified.

• Yes
• No

06

I have the following qualifications (select one):

• a. Ten (10) 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.
• b. A Bachelor's degree in microbiology or another biomedical science WHICH INCLUDES at least 20 semester or equivalent quarter credit hours in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms, and three (3) or more years of experience in a microbiology laboratory.
• c. A Masters degree in microbiology or another biomedical science WHICH INCLUDES at least 20 semester or equivalent quarter credit hours in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms, and two or more (2) years of experience in a microbiology laboratory.
• d. PhD in microbiology or another biomedical science WHICH INCLUDES at least 20 semester or equivalent quarter credit hours in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms, and one (1) or more years of experience in a microbiology laboratory.
• e. None of the above

07

Do you have Recent experience in a public health or microbiology laboratory performing clinical or environmental bacteriology?

• Yes
• No

08

How would you describe your experience with real-time PCR and other molecular diagnostic technologies?

• a. No Experience: I have not performed this responsibility and do not currently have the ability to do so.
• b. Some Experience: I have supported or assisted with training and oversight but have limited independent responsibility.
• c. Extensive Experience: I have independently trained, mentored, and overseen staff, including in complex or high-priority situations.

09

Select which best describes your level of knowledge or familiarity with CLIA, CAP, or ISO 15189 quality management systems?

• a. None: I have little to no knowledge or familiarity with these quality management systems.
• b. Basic Awareness: I understand their general purpose and importance but have not worked directly with them.
• c. Working Knowledge: I have a solid understanding and have applied aspects of these systems in my work (e.g., following protocols, supporting audits).
• d. d. Advanced Knowledge: I have in-depth, hands-on experience implementing, maintaining, or auditing against these standards in a laboratory setting.

10

Select the option that best describes your ability to train, mentor, and oversee the work of laboratory technical staff:

• a. None: I have never performed this responsibility and do not currently have the ability to do so.
• b. Developing: I have some exposure and could assist with training or oversight under close direction.
• c. Competent: I can independently train, mentor, and oversee staff in standard situations.
• d. Advanced: I regularly lead training and oversight efforts, including in complex or high-priority situations, and am a go-to resource for others.

11

How would you describe your experience in developing, evaluating, validating, and implementing new laboratory methods, procedures, and instrumentation?

• a. No Experience: I have not participated in these activities.
• b. Some Experience: I have contributed to these activities or supported others but have limited independent involvement.
• c. Extensive Experience: I have independently performed or led these activities and have a strong track record in this area.

12

Select the option that best describes your ability to read, synthesize, interpret, and clearly present technical information, both orally and in writing:

• a. None: I do not have experience with this and am not currently able to perform it.
• b. Developing: I can understand technical information with support and contribute to basic written or verbal summaries.
• c. Competent: I can independently understand, interpret, and clearly communicate technical information in both written and oral formats.
• d. Advanced: I routinely analyze complex technical information and translate it clearly for diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.

13

How would you describe your proficiency level in reviewing laboratory test results and quality control data?

• a. None: I have not performed this task and have little to no familiarity with the process.
• b. Basic Proficiency: I can review test results and QC data with guidance and recognize obvious issues, but may need support to interpret more complex patterns.
• c. Proficient: I can independently review and interpret test results and QC data, identify common issues, and take appropriate corrective actions.
• d. Advanced Proficiency: I have extensive experience reviewing and interpreting complex data, resolving QC problems, and guiding others in quality assurance practices.

14

How would you describe your experience performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions in response to QC failures or testing errors?

• a. No Experience: I have not participated in this process.
• b. Some Experience: I have observed or assisted with root cause analysis or corrective actions but have not done so independently.
• c. Moderate Experience: I have independently participated in identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions in routine situations.
• d. Extensive Experience: I have led or regularly conducted root cause analysis and implemented corrective/preventive actions, including in complex or high-impact situations.

15

Select the option that best describes your level of familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data entry for laboratory reporting:

• a. None: I have not used LIMS or performed data entry for lab reporting.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I am aware of LIMS and data entry processes but have limited hands-on experience.
• c. Working Knowledge: I can navigate and use LIMS for data entry and reporting tasks with minimal supervision.
• d. Advanced Knowledge: I have extensive experience using LIMS, including entering, verifying, and managing complex data sets and training others in its use.

16

Select the option that best describes your level of familiarity with laboratory biosafety practices (BSL-2 or higher):

• a. None: I have not received training or worked in BSL-2 or higher lab environments.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I understand general biosafety principles but have minimal practical experience working in a BSL-2+ setting.
• c. Working Knowledge: I am trained and experienced in following BSL-2 or higher protocols and can apply biosafety practices independently.
• d. Advanced Knowledge: I have in-depth experience working in BSL-2 or higher environments, consistently apply biosafety practices, and may serve as a safety lead or trainer.

17

How would you describe your experience in working with enteric pathogens (e.g., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and/or Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli)?

• a. No Experience: I have not worked with these organisms.
• b. Some Experience: I have limited hands-on exposure or assisted in testing or identification but not independently.
• c. Extensive Experience: I have independently worked with these organisms, including performing testing, identification, or subtyping as a routine part of my role.

18

How would you describe your proficiency in experimental design and troubleshooting?

• a. None: I have little to no experience designing experiments or troubleshooting lab issues.
• b. Basic Proficiency: I can assist with experimental design and resolve straightforward issues with some guidance.
• c. Proficient: I can independently design experiments and troubleshoot moderate problems.
• d. Advanced Proficiency: I regularly design complex experiments, solve challenging issues, and guide others in troubleshooting and optimization.

19

How would you describe your proficiency in using standard office software, such as Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, etc.?

• a. None: I have minimal or no experience using these tools.
• b. Basic Proficiency: I can perform basic tasks such as creating simple documents, spreadsheets, or slides with limited features.
• c. Proficient: I can confidently use a wide range of features in these programs and produce well-structured, functional work products.
• d. Advanced Proficiency: I use advanced functions (e.g., pivot tables, macros, styles, templates, flowcharts) and can train or support others in using these tools effectively.

Required Question