MICROBIOLOGIST PRINCIPAL 53076

12/01/93 B

This is the fifth class in the Microbiologist series. Positions in this class are responsible for performing independently the most complex analyses in a particular category of microbiological testing and, as experts, guiding and reviewing the work of others. Test results are for use in the diagnosis of diseases or identification of disease agents. Positions in this class also are called upon to provide technical training to other professionals. This class is distinguished from the Microbiologist Senior class by the fact that the Microbiologist Principal is recognized as the central authority in a category of analysis. This class is distinguished from the Microbiologist Supervisor, Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor, and Consolidated Laboratory Group Manager by the latter classes' responsibilities for supervisory and administrative functions.

Complexity of Work: Work is of unusual difficulty, requiring the independent performance of complex, frequently unusual, microbiological analyses requiring the identification of unknown analytes and the consideration and management of multiple variables affecting the analyses; the interpretation of atypical test results; and the review and verification of test results and records of other professional staff. Analyzes process and problem variables and test result irregularities, and formulates, implements, or guides corrective actions. Develops quality assurance and quality control programs for the laboratory and external public and private laboratories. Guides other professionals engaged in the evaluation of reagents and testing materials. Troubleshoots, repairs, researches, writes specifications for, and sets up unusually complex instrumentation. Work requires the independent adaptation of new and existing analytical methods. Work includes the research and evaluation of developments in the sciences affecting the analytical work and the determination of its application to the microbiology laboratory. Assesses technical training needs of internal laboratory staff and external service users and other customers, and develops appropriate program curricula.

Supervision Given: Positions typically do not supervise others; however, positions routinely provide guidance to other analysts and technicians.

Supervision Received: Receives general direction concerning administrative matters affecting the work from an assistant bureau director or bureau director. Positions are expected to perform their technical duties without supervision.

Scope: Work affects the capability of a microbiology unit or service users (public and private laboratories, health departments, state agencies, hospitals, and physicians) to conduct, interpret, and communicate the most complex, frequently unusual, microbiological analyses needed for the diagnosis of disease and identification of disease agents in individuals, specified populations, and the environment.

Impact of Actions: Work has a serious impact on the accuracy and timeliness of non-routine unit test production; transfer of information between laboratory unit and service users; the availability and quality of scientific laboratory evidence for diagnosis of diseases or identification of disease agents (including the identification of epidemics and contaminants in foods, water, and milk); compliance with safety, quality control, and standard testing procedures; the technical development of other laboratory staff; 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, medical personnel, researchers, veterinarians, private clinics, private individuals, and industry representatives to report findings, interpret and explain results, discuss sample collection and preservation techniques, provide technical consultation and training in the area of expertise, and conduct laboratory proficiency testing. Positions have contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to discuss the status of cultures and to obtain and provide technical information.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the theory and application of microbiological methods and instrumentation related to the testing category assigned. Some knowledge of the fundamental principles and techniques related to the technical training of professionals.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to independently perform a variety of complex and unusual microbiological analyses and to guide and review the work of others; operate, set up, research, write specifications for, and troubleshoot, laboratory instrumentation related to the area of expertise; record, interpret, and communicate results; and establish and maintain working relationships with state agencies, public and private laboratories, other scientific experts, industry representatives, hospitals and clinics, physicians, veterinarians, and private individuals. Ability to plan, organize, and conduct formal technical training for internal and external professionals in the area of expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

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

Level and Type of Experience: Extensive 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.