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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Microbiologist II
Opening Date: July 15, 2026
Closing Date: July 28, 2026
Job Class Code: 4219
Grade: 23 (04)
Salary: $51,979.20 - $72,945.60 per year*
- This is inclusive of a 5.5% recruitment and retention stipend
Position Number: 02031-0541
Location: Augusta
Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
This position allows for partial telework with management approval.
Job Description:
The Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) is seeking a laboratorian to act as the Biosafety Officer (BSO). This position will oversee biosafety training and practices to prevent exposure to hazards associated with biological materials, multi-drug-resistant and emerging pathogens, and bioterrorism threats for the HETL Clinical Microbiology Section.
The person in this position develops and monitors adherence to laboratory biosafety programs, provides related workforce biosafety training for the clinical microbiology section, assists the section with biological risk assessments and risk mitigation plans, and works cohesively with key system partners and public health officials to improve communications and emergency management and response practices. Efficient communication skills, knowledge of microbiology and general laboratory practices, and experience in laboratory safety, training, outreach, and quality management systems are necessary for this position.
Responsibilities include:
- Evaluate laboratory procedures, facility designs, and equipment to identify and mitigate biological risks
- Collaborate with the safety committee, occupational health, and other partners to build an effective comprehensive biosafety program that includes chemical, radiological, and other safety areas.
- Interpret and enforce local, state, and federal biosafety standards, ensuring the laboratory maintains full regulatory compliance
- Educate staff on safety protocols, proper PPE usage, and the secure shipping of hazardous/infectious materials.
- Maintain bi-annually IATA Dangerous Goods Shipping Certifications for staff.
- Participate in the Federal Select Agent program.
Minimum Qualifications: (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).
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.
Preferred candidates will also have:
- Experience in biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratory operations.
- Experience in conducting risk assessments, root cause analysis, and continuous quality improvement.
- Experience in conducting small and large safety trainings for: safety, PPE, OSHA blood-borne pathogen, biosafety cabinets, chemical fume hoods, gloveboxes, spills, decontamination, biomedical waste, and sharps use.
- Professional certifications such as Qualification in Laboratory Safety (QLS) from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or ABSA International offers a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) and certification Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP), and the ability to meet all Select Agent federal regulations ( https://www.selectagents.gov/ ).
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Agency information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.
The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.
Application Information:
For questions about this position, please contact Samson Omole, Associate Director, [email protected]
Please submit all documents or files in PDF or Word format.
To request a paper application, please contact Mandy Hernandez at [email protected]
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements .
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act .
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.
