Medical Laboratory Technologist- Microbiology Core and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

State of North Carolina

  • Wake County, NC
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 days ago
Description of WorkThis Position Is 100% Federally FundedThe Recruitment Range For This Position Is $59,732 - $64,000.This position provides full-time, on-site laboratory support for the State Laboratory of Public Health's Microbiology Unit, specifically within the Core Microbiology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) sections. The role involves specialized microbiological testing using classical methods, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, molecular diagnostics (e.g., real-time PCR), and antimicrobial susceptibility platforms. This work supports the identification of bacterial enteric pathogens and organisms associated with healthcare-acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance.This position supports the State Laboratory's mission by performing high-complexity testing, assisting in the implementation of new methodologies, and providing diagnostic consultation to public health partners. The role contributes to laboratory surveillance and outbreak investigations that protect the health of North Carolina residents. Key Duties Include:Perform specimen accessioning, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using classical microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and MALDI-TOF.Conduct specialized testing on pathogens associated with multi-drug resistance and healthcare-acquired infections.Document and monitor quality control and assurance processes in compliance with CLIA and laboratory policies.Participate in validation, verification, and onboarding of new assays and testing platforms.Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry, results reporting, and case tracking.Provide laboratory testing consultation to clinical and epidemiological partners, including interpretation of AST alert values.Participate in external proficiency testing and maintain ongoing staff competency assessments.Support reagent and supply inventory management, including coordination of procurement needs.Maintain laboratory safety and cleanliness in BSL-2 and BSL-2+ environments, using proper containment and PPE.Provide surge testing and response support during public health emergencies and outbreaks.About the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS):The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.
About the NC Division of Public Health:The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.
Compensation and Benefits:The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit website for benefits: For more information about DHHS:Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / CompetenciesCandidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they have the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants that possess the following skills are preferred:Documented experience working in BSL-2 or BSL-2+ environments with proper containment procedures and PPE.Proven experience applying and documenting laboratory quality assurance standards, quality control metrics, and corrective actions.Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or similar system to input data and generate reports.Minimum Education and Experience RequirementsSome state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See for details.Qualified applicants must possess, and application must clearly reflect work experience that demonstrates the following: Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology, chemistry or a biological science from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in a medical laboratory in the assigned area
OR
Associate's degree in medical technology from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of medical laboratory experience
OR
Completion of a certified laboratory assistant course in medical technology or a comparable course from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of medical laboratory experience
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experienceExtra Requirement
Must meet CLIA '88 requirements for testing personnel in a laboratory performing high-complexity testing. Candidates must attach a copy of their transcript(s) and/or certification(s) to qualify for considerationPhysical RequirementsAn occupational medical assessment may be required to determine your ability to safely work with biological, chemical, or radiological hazards. This position may also require periodic medical screenings to confirm safety practices are effectively preventing occupational injury or illness. All costs associated with obtaining occupational health services are covered by NCSLPH.This position:Works frequently with infectious disease agents that require the use of personal protective equipment.Work requires the ability to distinguish colors and close visual acuity to perform data analysis and visual inspection of specimens using standard laboratory equipment.Use of laboratory equipment requires ability to manipulate items with fingers, ability to grasp, and ability to feel/perceive the attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture.Supplemental and Contact InformationThe North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: .DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.In accordance with the Governor's , our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or justice involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.Application Process
Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
  • Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
  • Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.
  • If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
  • Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.
  • Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
  • Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.
  • For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at
.Degree/College Credit VerificationDegrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.Veteran's and National Guard Preference
  • Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
  • Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
  • Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
ADA AccommodationsConsistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.NEOGOV Technical AssistanceFor technical issues with your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 877-204-4442. If you have a technical issue with your Government Jobs account, please call their Help Line at 1-855-524-5627.CONTACT INFORMATION: If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at .Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types. For permanent and time-limited appointments:
Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.

State of North Carolina