Job description

Department Information

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.

The Microbial Diseases Laboratory (MDL) of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides state-of-the-art diagnostic and reference laboratory services, applied research, training, and subject matter expertise for a wide range of bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and parasitic infectious diseases.

Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov
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New to State candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of the classification or alternate range, as applicable.

Job Description And Duties

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by performing quality, timely provision of highly complex public health laboratory testing for the diagnosis and epidemiologic investigation of a range of bacterial diseases of great public health importance in the State of California.

Under the general direction of the Unit Lead Research Scientist III, the Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) II provides technical expertise and assists in planning and direction of laboratory work of assigned unit; uses specialized techniques, develops and applies complex, non-standardized analyses for bacterial identification and characterization, independently takes initiative and employs expert judgment; develops quality assurance procedures; and provides technical consultation to clients.

The ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team is essential for efficient and high-quality laboratory operations. The incumbent is expected to have advanced laboratory knowledge and skills in order to perform the duties of this position, including: culture inoculation, use of conventional microbiological and staining methods, ability to use a pipette, demonstration of aseptic technique, knowledge and understanding of basic operation of general laboratory equipment (such as but not limited to incubators, centrifuges, freezers, autoclave), and demonstration of safe laboratory practices when handling infectious/hazardous materials.

For assigned molecular testing responsibilities, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, the PHM II must demonstrate good laboratory technique to avoid contamination or other test errors, basic knowledge of molecular methods and troubleshooting, and ability to work with various computer software applications to accurately analyze results.

The incumbent is supervised by the Chief of the Bacterial Diseases Section.

Final Filing Date: 6/17/2025

Job Code #: JC-478356

Position #(s): 580-731-7948-044

Working Title: Senior Vaccine Preventable Pathogens and Molecular Microbiologist

Classification: PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST II

$6,523.00 - $9,373.00 A

Work Location: Contra Costa County

Telework: In Office

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Should you have any questions regarding the application process, our Recruitment Team is ready to help you at Apply@cdph.ca.gov or (916) 445-0983.

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