Microbiologist (Project)

at  State of Wisconsin

INTRODUCTION

Who We Are: The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) protects and promotes Wisconsin’s agricultural industries and consumers. We strive to serve the people of Wisconsin by assuring safe, wholesome food; consumer protection and fair business practices; animal and plant health; a clean environment; and strong agriculture and commerce. The DATCP team includes people from all backgrounds and perspectives. As a state agency, our success hinges on the diverse, well qualified, dedicated staff we employ and retain.
What We’re Seeking: DATCP is recruiting for a Microbiologist to fill an employment opportunity with the Bureau of Laboratory Services.
The project position has a projected end date of July 15, 2026. Project positions are eligible for benefits including health insurance, but the incumbent does not attain permanent civil service status.
Where We’re Located: Each position is located at the Bureau of Lab Services Building situated on Madison’s southeast side. We are only minutes away from the Beltline Highway, Interstate 90 and Highway 51 for quick access to local restaurants, retail and service locations.
Employee Benefits: The State of Wisconsin offers an excellent benefits package, which includes at least 3.5 weeks of paid time off to start, 9 paid holidays, accrued sick leave, multiple insurance options, and an exceptional retirement plan! For more info, see our Total Rewards Calculator.
By working for Wisconsin State Government, you may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Please click the link for details.
Click here to check out what working for the State of Wisconsin is all about!
This posting may be used to fill future similar permanent, project, and/or LTE vacancies.

POSITION SUMMARY

The position is a project position located in the Microbiology Unit (MBU) of the DATCP’s Bureau of Laboratory Services (BLS). The position is responsible for the following:

• Support for projects as related to the FDA LFFM grant.
• Participation in the analyses of food samples for both pathogenic bacteria and indicator organisms by cultural, instrumental and molecular methods.
• Confirmation of bacterial isolates by cultural, biochemical and serological methods.
• The participation in the Unit’s Quality Assurance program and assisting and maintaining Quality Control (QC) records for the Unit.
• The participation in sample and data handling within the Unit.

The position is required to achieve and maintain certification for dairy product analysis; such certification is typically attained through directed training followed by successful analysis of certification samples provided by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and on-site evaluation by FDA-LPET. This position receives training from the Microbiology Unit Leader and works under the close supervision of the Microbiology Supervisor.
Microbiologist Full Position Description

MINIMALLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL HAVE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Education and/or experience in a science-related field such as Biology, Chemistry, or Laboratory Science
• Education and/or experience with enteric pathogens
• Education and/or experience adhering to quality assurance principles, including documentation and aseptic technique

IN ADDITION, HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL HAVE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Experience working with molecular screening related to foodborne pathogens
• Experience in conducting cultural confirmation work, including identification and characterization of bacterial organisms
• Experience working in an ISO 17025 compliant laboratory setting
  It is critically important your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated criteria. The job experts who evaluate your application materials must be able to make an accurate assessment regarding your qualifications. Applicants who do not meet at least the minimum qualifications or who do not clearly identify minimum qualifications will be ineligible to continue in the selection process.

HOW TO APPLY

If viewing this posting on an external site (such as indeed.com, etc.), please visit Wisc.Jobs and search for this Job ID: 15283 to complete your application for this posting.
DATCP is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans hiring programs that may benefit you, please visit the Employment page on WDVA’s website.
To be considered for this position, you will need to create an account (if you don’t already have one) and apply online via the “Apply for Job” button listed on the top right of this page. You will be required to upload a current resume and a letter of qualifications (also known as a cover letter) that clearly describes your qualifications and experience as they relate to the qualifications listed in this job posting. For more applicant resources, including tips on how to write a resume and letter of qualifications, click here.
Your resume and letter of qualifications will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates who are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process where vacancies exist, starting with those candidates who are deemed most qualified.
Please address questions regarding the application process to Jensen Peterson at Jensen.peterson@wisconsin.gov

• Support for projects as related to the FDA LFFM grant.
• Participation in the analyses of food samples for both pathogenic bacteria and indicator organisms by cultural, instrumental and molecular methods.
• Confirmation of bacterial isolates by cultural, biochemical and serological methods.
• The participation in the Unit’s Quality Assurance program and assisting and maintaining Quality Control (QC) records for the Unit.
• The participation in sample and data handling within the Unit