Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Microbiologist III

Opening Date: April 23, 2025

Closing Date: May 6, 2025

Job Class Code: 4220

Grade:  25 (Supervisory)

Salary: $57,408.00 - $81,078.40 per year*

*Plus an additional 5.5% stipend

Position Number: 02031-0501    

Location: Augusta

-AGENCY PROMOTIONAL ONLY- This is only open to those with promotional status in the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Maine CDC Health & Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) is seeing a Microbiologist III whose primary responsibility is the diagnostic testing of specimens for respiratory viruses, vaccine preventable disease viruses, vectorborne viruses, and sexually transmitted infections using techniques such as real-time PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and various serologic methods.

In this supervisory position, within the clinical microbiology section at the 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. 

Core Responsibilities:

As a key member of the HETL team, your core responsibilities will include:
•    Assisting the clinical microbiology supervisor in grant writing, protocol writing, finances, and quality improvement initiatives 
•    Participating in annual biosafety and chemical safety trainings
•    Participating in the Federal CDC LRN-B network
•    Participating in the Federal CDC and USDA Select Agent Program 
•    Reviewing QA/QC metrics for standard operating procedures
•    Acting as a liaison for the laboratory on the Respiratory and Vectorborne infectious disease workgroups
•    Maintaining CLIA competencies and proficiency testing for supervised employees

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 and serology.
•    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 of experience in a CLIA high complexity laboratory
•    2 years of 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 for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

Application Information:

For additional information about this position please contact Nick Matluk, CLIA Technical Supervisor, at (207) 287- 6736 or Nicholas.Matluk@Maine.gov

*To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter with your application. Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.

To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). 

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.