Microbiologist 3

Microbiologist 3

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Microbiologist 3

Salary

$67,736.00 - $102,905.00 Annually

Location

Chester County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-48310-32430

Department

Department of Health

Division

HL Div of Mcrblgy

Opening Date

04/28/2026

Closing Date

Job Code

Position Number

00298032

Union

Non-Union

Bargaining Unit

Pay Group

ST08

Bureau / Division Code

00077311

Bureau / Division

Bureau of Laboratories / Division of Microbiology

Worksite Address

City

Exton, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

Contact Name

Margaret King

Contact Email

margarking@pa.gov

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

THE POSITION

As a Microbiologist 3 with the Department of Health, you will play a key part in work that supports the health of residents across Pennsylvania! This position provides an opportunity to shape laboratory practices that detect and respond to public health threats. You will guide talented staff, strengthen laboratory processes, and support timely public health action. Take on this meaningful role where your expertise helps improve outcomes for communities statewide and apply today!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position oversees important laboratory operations that support public health testing for the Bureau of Laboratories. It involves supervising staff, supporting quality assurance, and guiding specialized microbiology work. As a Microbiologist 3, you will perform the following duties:

• Supervisory Leadership: Manage staff who perform microbiology testing, specimen processing, and laboratory support tasks

• Quality Oversight: Monitor quality practices in pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical work to ensure accurate results

• Procedure Evaluation: Assess new diagnostic methods, coordinate validation efforts, and review procedures for efficiency and compliance

• Cross Agency Coordination: Communicate with internal sections, federal and state partners, and clinicians regarding laboratory findings and needs

• Training Support: Provide technical guidance and training for laboratory personnel, students, and public health partners

• Emergency Response: Participate in public health emergency activities and carry out essential duties under challenging conditions

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=00298032) .

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment

• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.

• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, 1 day per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Exton. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.

• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a Microbiologist 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration);or

• Two years of professional laboratory work experience in microbiology, and a bachelor's degree that includes 20 credits of microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry;or

• One year of professional laboratory work experience in microbiology, and a graduate degree in microbiology.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency Guidelines.

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/hrmoa/resources/generative-ai-hiring-guidance) for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.

• You must provide complete and accurate information or:

• your score may be lower than deserved.

• you may be disqualified.

• You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.

• Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Microbiologist 2 for one full year or more?

• Yes

• No

  02

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

How many years of full-time professional laboratory work experience in microbiology do you possess?

• A. 2 years or more

• B. 1 but less than 2 years

• C. Less than 1 year

• D. None

  04

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree that includes 20 credits of microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology, or bacteriology AND 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• Yes

• No

  06

Do you possess a conferred graduate degree in microbiology?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• Yes

• No

  07

CS-INSTRUCTIONS You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .

• Yes

  08

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - Laboratory Testing

Performs laboratory testing on clinical specimens such as culture, bacterial identification, direct fluorescent antibody, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, immunology or serology testing such as ELISA for antigen or antibody detection, fluorescent and light microscopy, Nucleic Acid Amplification using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and sequencing using standard operating procedures. Analyzes test results and determines acceptability for reporting.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience performing laboratory testing on clinical specimens such as culture, bacterial identification, direct fluorescent antibody, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, immunology or serology testing such as ELISA for antigen or antibody detection, fluorescent and light microscopy, PCR, or sequencing using standard operating procedures; AND analyzing test results and determining acceptability for reporting.

• B. I have experience performing laboratory testing on clinical specimens such as culture, bacterial identification, direct fluorescent antibody, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, immunology or serology testing such as ELISA for antigen or antibody detection, fluorescent and light microscopy, PCR, or sequencing using standard operating procedures. I DO NOT have experience analyzing test results and determining acceptability for reporting.

• C. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

  09

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

• Details regarding your experience analyzing test results and determining acceptability for reporting.

  10

WORK BEHAVIOR 2- Quality Assurance

Performs quality control checks on equipment, media, reagents, and procedures to ensure reliability of test performance and test results. Quality control checks include monitoring environmental conditions, preventive maintenance on various laboratory equipment such as test equipment, refrigerators, freezers, and incubators; and performs sterility checks and performance checks on media and reagents using the appropriate quality control organisms.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience performing quality control checks on equipment, media, reagents, and procedures to ensure reliability of test performance and test results; quality control checks include monitoring environmental conditions, preventative maintenance on various laboratory equipment such as test equipment, refrigerators, freezers, and incubators; and performing sterility checks and performance checks on media and reagents using the appropriate quality control organisms. I SERVED AS A LEAD WORKER ENSURING OTHERS WERE FOLLOWING THE QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM.

• B. I have experience performing quality control checks on equipment, media, reagents, and procedures to ensure reliability of test performance and test results; quality control checks include monitoring environmental conditions, preventative maintenance on various laboratory equipment such as test equipment, refrigerators, freezers, and incubators; and performing sterility checks and performance checks on media and reagents using the appropriate quality control organisms. I PERFORMED QUALITY CONTROL CHECKS FOR MY OWN WORK.

• C. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

  11

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

• Details regarding your experience ensuring others followed a quality assurance program.

  12

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - Written Communication

Prepares a variety of written documents including reports of department activities, outbreak activities updates, standard operating procedures, Power Point presentations, and grant and budget applications.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience preparing a variety of written documents including reports of department activities, outbreak activities updates, standard operating procedures, Power Point presentations, and grant and budget applications. I was responsible for the COMPLETE document.

• B. I have experience preparing PORTIONS OR SECTIONS of written documents including reports of department activities, outbreak activities updates, standard operating procedures, Power Point presentations, and grant and budget applications. I was NOT responsible for the complete written document.

• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to technical writing, report writing, or non-fiction writing.

• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

  13

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

• The types of written communications for which you were responsible.

  14

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University/Training Source

• Course Title(s)

• Credits/Clock Hours

  15

WORK BEHAVIOR 4- Supervision

Supervises staff which involves assigning and reviewing work, providing technical guidance, training subordinates or arranging for the training of subordinates, evaluating work, providing discipline, completing employee performance reviews, monitoring and approving leave, and performing the full range of supervisory duties.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience SUPERVISING staff which involves assigned and reviewing work, providing technical guidance, training subordinates or arranging for the training of subordinates, evaluating work, providing discipline, completing employee performance reviews, monitoring and approving leave, and performing the full range of supervisor duties.

• B. I have experience as a LEAD WORKER to other staff on specific projects or assignments, including providing guidance and direction in techniques used in performing work.

• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to supervision, performance evaluation, or staff development.

• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

  16

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

• The duties you performed as a supervisor or lead worker.

• Your level of responsibility.

• The level or type of employees supervised.

  17

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University/Training Source

• Course Title(s)

• Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Employer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website

http://www.employment.pa.gov