Food Microbiologist

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH):

The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.

Role Overview:

Each year, the IDOH Food and Dairy Microbiology Laboratory performs over 12,000 tests for a variety of foodborne pathogens and adulterants of public health importance, including Salmonella, Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC), Campylobacter, and Listeria. The samples are submitted by the Indiana Board of Animal Health, IDOH Food Protection Division, and local health departments in accordance with FDA, USDA-FSIS, and state statutes requiring meat and dairy producers to submit samples for pathogen testing. Food testing is also routinely performed for consumer complaints and during foodborne illness outbreaks to determine the causative agent or potential source. The Food Microbiologist 2 works onsite at the Indiana Health Sciences Laboratory in a BSL 2 public health lab environment, rotating monthly through dairy, meat, and general food benches that each follow distinct federal regulatory frameworks.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Conducting microbiological examination of food and food related specimens which includes the isolation and identification of microorganisms associated with foodborne illness or indicators of food processing cleanliness.

• Maintains laboratory record system of submitted samples.

• Evaluates, interprets, and validates laboratory results and reports findings to the submitter.

• Develops and maintains sample inventory storage systems.

• Conducts quality control checks on laboratory methods, materials, and equipment in compliance with the requirements stated in the FDA 2400 series for the Official Examination for Grade A Milk products and ISO/IEC 17025 for food testing.

• Assists with preparation of statistical reports from data compiled on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis.

• Participates in evaluation of new products used in laboratory work.

• Performs related work as required.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

• A four (4) year degree (B.S. or B.A.) in a biological, chemical, or physical science. If the position will be working in an area that falls under CLIA-regulation, degree must meet the degree requirements for CLIA high-complexity testing personnel.
• Two (2) years of testing experience that is relevant to the hiring area.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of microbiology and related sub-specialties.
• Ability to meet requirements for personnel certification as a general supervisor pursuant to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988.
• Thorough knowledge of, and the ability to apply, accepted or unprecedented laboratory problems.
• Broad knowledge of, and ability to use, complex and specialized technical/scientific equipment and automated techniques of analysis.
• Broad knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles.
• Specialized knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies concerning the program area.
• Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs.
• Ability to compile, analyzes, evaluate and present laboratory data to physicians, veterinarians, public health staff and professional organizations.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.