Newborn Screening Microbiologist

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division (PHD), Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OPSHL) in Hillsboro, Oregon has a career opportunity for a Newborn Screening Microbiologist (Microbiologist 2) to perform testing for the Newborn Screening Program.  The Oregon Health Authority has the statutory responsibility for screening all infants born in the state for selected congenital conditions.   Timely detection, follow-up, and treatment are imperative to prevent adverse effects of the condition.  

The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OSPHL) has been actively protecting the public's health since 1903 by supporting state and local infectious disease control efforts, preventing metabolic disorders detectable at birth, and assuring the quality of testing in clinical and environmental laboratories. Click here for more information.

What you will do!

As the Newborn Screening Microbiologist, you will be involved in the daily testing and reporting processes in the laboratory, performing a variety of tests on dried blood spot specimens collected from newborns. In this role, you will follow established laboratory policies and procedures to assure timely and appropriate identification of presumptive positive newborn screening samples to optimize the early diagnosis and treatment for affected children.

What we are looking for:
Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, or biological science or a degree in medical technology from an accredited institution AND one (1) year of pertinent laboratory training and/or experience in high complexity testing within the specialty of clinical chemistry or microbiology.
OR

A Master's degree in chemical, physical, or biological science or a degree in medical technology from an accredited institution.

Desired Attributes:

• Experience working in a clinical laboratory.
• Experience performing clinical chemistry and molecular testing.
• Experience performing newborn screening testing.
• Knowledge of newborn screening practice standards, clinical correlation and interpretation of laboratory results, and patient care.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced knowledge to analyze, interpret, and make independent decisions.
• Ability to set priorities and perform multiple tasks at one time.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effectively communicating and collaborating with colleagues and professionals of varying levels within the laboratory setting.
• Experience creating, promoting, welcoming, and maintaining a culturally competent and diverse work environment.

Under federal law, the incumbent must meet personnel requirements for performing high complexity testing as defined by 42 CFR 493, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/LaboratoryServices/ClinicalLaboratoryRegulation/Documents/pers-re.pdf

Working Conditions:

The work of this role will be performed on-site at the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory, 7202 NE Evergreen Pkwy, Hillsboro, OR 97124.

Work schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30am until 4pm, however it is subject to change as determined by workload and laboratory priorities. This position may be required to respond to a public health emergency. Occasional Holiday work or on-call may be required.

What's in it for you?

The Public Health Division is a team of passionate individuals working to promote health across the lifespan of individuals, families, and communities. We value and support unique perspectives using a trauma-informed approach and aim to reflect these values in our hiring practices, professional development, and workplace. We are committed to racial equity as a driving factor to improve health outcomes for all communities that experience inequities.

• We offer exceptional medical, vision and dental benefit packages for you and your qualified family members with minimal out-of-pocket costs (member cost share is as low as 1% - 5%). Try this free virtual benefits counselor by clicking here: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/pebb/pages/alex.aspx
• Paid Leave Days:
  • 11 paid holidays each year.
  • 3 additional paid personal business days each year.
  • 8 hours of paid sick leave accrued each month.
  • 8 hours of vacation leave accrued each month with increases every 5 years.
• Pension and Retirement After six months of service, you may qualify for the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). New employees may be enrolled in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Student Loan Forgiveness; Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) The PSLF program may forgive student loan balances after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments. 
• Optional benefits include short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities.
• Click here to learn more and access a summary of State of Oregon benefits.

Monthly Salary: $4,536 - $6,952

Close Date: 7/17/2024

The Oregon Health Authority is committed to: 

• Eliminating health inequities in Oregon by 2030
• Becoming an anti-racist organization
• Developing and promoting culturally and linguistically appropriate programs, and
• Developing and retaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce that represents the diversity, cultures, strengths, and values of the people of Oregon.

How to Apply:

Complete the online application at oregonjobs.org using job number REQ-159862

https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Newborn-Screening-Microbiologist--Microbiologist-2----Hillsboro--OR--On-Site-_REQ-159862