BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position will work primarily in the Water Quality laboratory and will provide support for the Biotoxin laboratory as necessary.
- The position will lead daily laboratory sample processing, sample scheduling and work with the other Microbiologists to maintain all quality control for laboratory methods performed in compliance with the Maine Bureau of Public Health Quality Assurance Manual and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP).
- Water Quality laboratory includes analysis of fecal coliforms in seawater and shellfish samples using membrane filtration and multiple tube fermentation, operation of autoclaves, critical temperature monitoring, preparation of media, solutions and bacterial controls, and data entry.
- Biotoxin laboratory work involves enumeration of marine phytoplankton utilizing bright-field microscopy, shellfish tissue extraction and testing with high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV), preparation of chemical solutions and mobile phases, and data entry,
- Opportunity to learn HPLC-post column oxidation method for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) toxin monitoring as well as contribute to validation and verification of emerging biotoxin and microbiology testing methods.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- This position requires basic laboratory skills including pipetting, solution preparation, knowledge of measurement units, mastery of laboratory calculations with basic PC software, general safety practices, aseptic techniques, and attention to detail.
- The successful candidate is self-motivated to recognize the tasks that need to be completed and to perform those tasks according to Standard Operating Procedures with limited supervision.
- The successful candidate is motivated to research new scientific methods for potential implementation into the program.
This position will have some flexibility to work remotely, dependent on the needs of the program.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or related scientific field and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a related microbiological field. Responsible experience in microbiology may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
