Senior Microbiologist (Genomics)

SUMMARY 

The Infectious Disease Laboratory Division (IDLD) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Genomic Scientist to join our Genomics Center core sequencing facility at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). In this lead-level role, you will coordinate Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows that support surveillance, diagnostics, COVID and outbreaks response, and research. You will support sample preparation, library preparation, targeted enrichment, sequencing, quality review, troubleshooting, and data generation.

The ideal candidate will have advanced laboratory experience in molecular biology, a thorough understanding of sequencing technologies, and expertise with platforms such as Illumina and Oxford Nanopore. The Senior Microbiologist will serve as a technical resource to staff, support training and workflow prioritization, and communicate technical issues to supervisors and project leaders. This is a full-time position (Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week). Weekend, holiday, and overtime coverage may be required during public health emergencies.

The position is in Richmond, CA, and is funded from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2027. Extension is possible pending available funding.

Must submit a resume with application. 

The salary range for this position is $99,531.83 to $128,860.96 annually depending on experience/qualifications.

Must be able to work flexible hours that may include weekends and holidays.

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation). The applicant will need to have the qualifying exemption. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead and coordinate daily execution of NGS workflows, including sample preparation, library generation, targeted enrichment, DNA sequencing, run setup, data generation, and workflow prioritization.


• Assist the Lead Scientist with developing project outlines, task plans, timelines, and workflow expectations for lower-level laboratory staff; provide technical guidance, monitor progress, review work for completeness and adherence to SOPs, and elevate project updates or issues to the Lead Scientist for final review and approval.


• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and support scheduling for laboratory instruments, including NGS sequencers, liquid handlers, PCR/qPCR instruments, and related sample-processing equipment.


• Develop, optimize, validate, implement, and periodically review methods and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for comprehensive DNA sequencing using short- and long-read sequencing technologies.


• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentoring to laboratory staff on NGS methods, instrument operation, quality practices, documentation standards, and safe laboratory procedures.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, execute, document, and review verification, validation, bridging, and quality improvement studies that support public health sequencing activities and regulatory submissions.


• Work with researchers, bioinformatics staff, epidemiology partners, and project leaders across the organization to plan and execute experiments studying pathogens of importance in public health.


• Review sequencing run performance, assay controls, quality metrics, reagent performance, and batch documentation; identify technical issues; recommend corrective actions; and escalate issues to supervisors or project leaders as needed.


• Maintain laboratory supplies, reagent readiness, equipment maintenance records, cleanliness, and sanitation under Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and applicable safety and quality requirements.


• Summarize experimental results, review conclusions with supervisors or project leaders, present technical updates as requested, and assist with other IDLD activities and testing in other CDPH sections during laboratory surges.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced scientific background in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, or related life sciences, with strong understanding of sequencing technologies and expertise with platforms such as Illumina and Oxford Nanopore.


• Demonstrated proficiency performing and troubleshooting molecular biology techniques such as NGS library preparation, target enrichment, DNA amplification/purification, and DNA quantitation/characterization using Qubit, TapeStation, NanoDrop, qPCR, or similar instruments.


• Experience working in a sequencing or genomics core facility and operating multiple sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina, PacBio, Oxford Nanopore) is strongly preferred.


• Experience with high-throughput laboratory automation, sample tracking, laboratory information management systems, computational skills, or a basic understanding of programming languages is preferred.


• Ability to independently conduct, document, troubleshoot, and report on scientific experiments while maintaining careful attention to detail, safety, quality, and good laboratory practices.


• Strong communication skills, self-motivation, and proven ability to provide technical guidance while working independently and within cross-functional teams.


• Excellent organizational, prioritization, planning, and project coordination skills to support multiple concurrent workflows under established deadlines and timelines.

 Education/Experience

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, life sciences, systems biology, data analytics, chemistry, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant molecular and microbiology laboratory experience, including hands-on genomics or NGS experience, OR


• Possession of a Master's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, life sciences, systems biology, data analytics, chemistry, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant molecular and microbiology laboratory experience, including hands-on genomics or NGS experience. Prior lead, training, method development, validation, or core facility experience, OR


• Possession of a Doctoral degree in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, life sciences, systems biology, data analytics, chemistry, or a related field.

 Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of a California Public Health Microbiologist certificate or eligibility for the Public Health Microbiologist training program is preferred but not required.

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.


• Ability to effectively communicate technical information verbally and in writing to scientific, laboratory, and cross-functional audiences.


• Ability to work independently, provide lead-level technical support, and adapt to varied work settings and changing public health priorities.


• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals and model professional, reliable, and collaborative work practices.


• Ability to multi-task, prioritize competing deadlines, and work effectively under pressure during routine operations and laboratory surge conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand: Frequently


• Walk: Frequently


• Sit: Frequently


• Handling / Fingering: Frequently


• Reach Outward: Occasionally


• Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally


• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally


• Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs


• Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs


• See: Constantly


• Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

KEY

• Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions


• Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)


• Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day)


• Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)

 WORK ENVIRONMENT 

General office and laboratory setting, indoors, temperature controlled

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.