Microbiologist

Company: Heluna Health
Location: El Cerrito
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

The California Emerging Infections Program (CEIP) is a program administered by Heluna Health which is a non-profit public health research organization. CEIP functions under cooperative agreements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are collaborative efforts involving the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health, and several local health departments. Under the direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor of the Reference Bacteriology Unit, Microbial Diseases Laboratory of CDPH, the Microbiologist performs duties to test samples received by the unit including multiple surveillance projects conducted by CEIP. The duties include those associated with the testing and transportation of specimens for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and the receipt, processing, and confirmation (as needed) of isolates of Candida spp., Enterobacterales, including carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), and Clostridium difficile submitted by clinical laboratories participating in surveillance projects conducted by CEIP. The Microbiologist will perform duties associated with the receipt, testing, and transportation of specimens for the CEIP ABCs project. The Microbiologist will also freeze and/or process specimens as outlined in standardized protocol for storage and shipping to CDC for further testing and characterization. Pay Rate: $32.50 per hour. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Specimen receipt and data entry for laboratory information management systems (LIMS), including preparing specimen for storage and shipment, specimen shipping, maintaining culture collection. Preparation and quality control testing of media and reagents. Maintenance of laboratory equipment. Autoclaves, disinfects, and disposes of contaminated materials and infectious agents. Culture and identification of bacterial pathogens for non-diagnostic applications using conventional and molecular techniques. Preparation of test reports, result summaries and other relevant documents, including reporting of relevant results and communications with internal and external partners. Maintains inventories and accurate records of laboratory supplies and bacterial isolates. Assists in the preparation of purchase requests and order tracking. Participation in seminars and other scientific meetings as requested. Performs other related duties as assigned. JOB QUALIFICATIONS At least six months’ experience working with microbial pathogens in an industry or clinical or public health microbiology laboratory setting Knowledge of sterile technique and universal precautions for working with bacterial pathogens At least one year experience of computer skills using Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, email Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings Ability to complete projects in a timely manner Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals Demonstrated attention to detail EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course work in chemistry, microbiology, medical microbiology and molecular biology is required Possession of a current Public Health Microbiologist Certificate is preferred Experience using a PC and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Meticulous attention to detail Good communication and interpersonal skills Capacity to work independently or in a team environment Able to transmit data securely (i.e., to HIPAA compliant secure FTP sites or via encrypted email) CERTIFICATES/LICENSES/CLEARANCES None required. OTHER SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES Training and certification of packaging and shipping of infectious agents. Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory equipment PHYSICAL DEMANDS Stand Frequently Walk Frequently Sit Frequently Handling / Fingering Frequently Reach Outward Occasionally Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs. Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs. See Constantly Taste/ Smell Not Applicable Key: Not Applicable Not required for essential functions Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs/day) Frequently (2 - 5 hrs/day) Constantly (5 hrs/day) WORK ENVIRONMENT Laboratory setting, indoor and airflow and temperature controlled Heluna is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply. EEOC STATEMENT It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Keywords: Heluna Health, Concord , Microbiologist, Science, Research & Development , El Cerrito, California