MICROBIOLOGIST SENIOR 53075

12/01/93 B

This is the third class in the Microbiologist series. Positions in this class serve in a lead capacity or as technical specialists in a regulatory, medical, or research environment. This class is distinguished from the Microbiologist class by its role as lead microbiologist or by the high degree of independence and expertise required of the class. It is distinguished from the Microbiologist Supervisor and the Consolidated Laboratories Group Manager by the fact that the latter classes are responsible for supervisory and management duties. It is distinguished from the Microbiologist Principal by the fact that the latter is recognized as the state's expert in a specialized area of testing.

Complexity of Work: Work is of moderate difficulty, requiring independent performance of complex testing, analyses, and/or identification of pathogenic and other microbiological agents and organisms. Work may require the adaptation of an existing analytical method to optimize test results. Work includes the analysis and interpretation of atypical test results; review and verification of test results and records of other professional staff, including quality control records. Screens the results of analysis for referral to subsequent testing, and identifies test result irregularities and error trends. Positions in this class provide technical guidance to other staff. Calibrates, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains instrumentation. Evaluates reagents and testing materials. Evaluates new products and techniques. Positions may testify in a court of law, either civil or criminal, concerning results of analysis.

Supervision Given: Supervision typically is not a factor. However, positions may be responsible for serving in a lead capacity over other laboratory personnel, including Microbiologists.

Supervision Received: Positions in this class are expected to perform their duties independently with minimal supervision. This class receives general direction from a higher level Microbiologist or, in the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, receives direction from the Group Manager and technical guidance and review on new technologies or unusual analyses from the Microbiologist Principal.

Scope: Work affects the ability of a microbiology unit or other laboratory users (public and private laboratories, health departments, state agencies, hospitals, and physicians) to provide non-routine test results for diagnosis of disease and identification of disease agents in individuals, specified populations, and the environment.

Impact of Actions: Work has a moderate impact on the accuracy, volume, and timeliness of non-routine unit test production; transfer of information between laboratory unit and service users; the availability of scientific laboratory evidence for diagnosis of diseases or identification of disease agents (including the identification of epidemics and contaminants in food, water, and milk); compliance with safety, quality control, and standard testing procedures; and the laboratory's credibility; and may affect the economic condition of regulated industries.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with local, state, and federal agencies, hospitals, physicians, veterinarians, private clinics, and private individuals to report findings; discuss interpretation of results, sample collection, and preservation techniques; and request specimens. May have contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to discuss the status of cultures and to obtain technical information.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the theory and application of microbiological methods and instrumentation related to the field of assignment.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to review the work of others; independently perform a variety of complex analyses; operate and troubleshoot complex laboratory instruments; accurately interpret and present laboratory test results; and establish and maintain working relationships with federal, state, and local agencies, public and private laboratories, hospitals and clinics, physicians, veterinarians, and private individuals. Ability to guide the work of other scientists.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from a college or university with major course work in microbiology or a closely related scientific field that is supplemented by course work in microbiology.

Level and Type of Experience: Progressively responsible experience conducting and reporting microbiological analyses.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established in December, 1993, as a result of the reorganization of the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services.