Salary: $60,538.00 - $92,010.00 Annually
Location : Chester County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-53967-32420
Department: Department of Health
Division: HL Div of Mcrblgy
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 32420
Position Number: 50374450
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: B4
Pay Group: ST07
Bureau / Division Code: 00077311
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Laboratories / Division of Microbiology
Worksite Address: 110 Pickering Way
City: Exton, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 19341
Contact Name: Margaret King
Contact Email: [click to reveal email address]margarking@pa.gov

THE POSITION
As a Microbiologist 2 with the Department of Health (DOH) in the Bureau of Laboratories, you will take part in important work that helps identify and track infectious diseases across the Commonwealth. This role gives you the chance to use advanced laboratory methods in a fast-paced and mission-focused setting. You will collaborate with skilled professionals who are committed to public health and scientific accuracy. Your contributions help deliver timely and trusted results that support the health of communities throughout Pennsylvania.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position supports public health by performing laboratory testing and analysis on clinical and environmental samples, including bioterrorism and foodborne agents. The work involves advanced microbiology methods, detailed documentation, and collaboration with partner agencies. As a Microbiologist 2, you will perform the following duties:

Microbiology Testing: Conduct conventional and molecular testing for infectious agents in biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories
Sample Analysis: Examine clinical, environmental, food, and water specimens related to bioterrorism events and infectious disease surveillance
Technique Application: Use advanced laboratory methods such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Matrix-Assisted Laser Description/Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF), Time-Resolved Fluorescence (TRF), and toxin assays
Specimen Handling: Prepare specimens for shipment, receive new specimens, assign accession numbers, and deliver materials to appropriate areas
Quality Control: Carry out quality control activities across testing phases and maintain required documentation and equipment records
Training Support: Provide technical guidance to new staff, public health partners, students, and clinical laboratories

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

One year as a Microbiologist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
One year of professional laboratory work experience in microbiology, and a bachelor's degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry; or
A graduate degree in microbiology.
Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Condition of Employment:

This position will require the successful completion of a background risk assessment check, after hire.

Other Requirements:

You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

You must pass a background investigation.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.
How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to [click to reveal website link] and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/test once for this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.

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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Microbiologist 1 for one or more years full-time?

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03

Do you possess one year of full-time professional laboratory work experience in microbiology?

Do you possess a bachelor's degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

Do you possess a conferred master's degree or higher level degree in microbiology?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

If you are within three months of completing a master's degree or higher in microbiology, on what date do you expect to graduate? If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the text box.
08

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PREPARES SAMPLES FOR LABORATORY ANALYSIS
Prepares human specimens (i.e., blood, serum, etc.), animal samples, or environmental samples (i.e., food, powders, water, etc.) for laboratory analysis using conventional or molecular microbiological methods.
Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience preparing human specimens, animal samples, AND environmental samples for laboratory analysis using conventional AND molecular microbiological methods.
B. I have experience preparing human specimens, animal samples, OR environmental samples for laboratory analysis using conventional AND molecular microbiological methods.
C. I have experience preparing human specimens, animal samples, OR environmental samples for laboratory analysis using conventional OR molecular microbiological methods.
D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of specimens/samples you prepared.
The actual duties you performed related to preparing specimens/samples.
Your level of responsibility.

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - LABORATORY TESTING
Performs microbiological testing on specimens or samples, records the results, interprets the data, and reports conclusions of the presence or absence of public health infectious agents. Testing methods involve cultures, bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibilities, direct fluorescent antibody, enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), nucleic acid amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and next generation sequencing on human specimens, animal samples, and environmental samples.
Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience performing laboratory testing on human specimens, animal samples, or environmental samples using all the following methods: culture, bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibilities, direct fluorescent antibody, ELISA, PCR, AND next generation sequencing.
B. I have experience performing laboratory testing on human specimens, animal samples, or environmental samples using 4 to 6 of the following methods: culture, bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibilities, direct fluorescent antibody, ELISA, PCR, or next generation sequencing.
C. I have experience performing laboratory testing on human specimens, animal samples, or environmental samples using 1 to 3 of the following methods: culture, bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibilities, direct fluorescent antibody, ELISA, PCR, or next generation sequencing.
D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of specimens/samples you tested.
The actual duties you performed related to testing, recording results, interpreting data and reporting conclusions.
Your level of responsibility.

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - QUALITY ASSURANCE
Performs analytical method validation/verification and completes periodic quality assurance/assessment activities including the following: performing quality control checks on test procedures and equipment maintenance and function checks. Develops and implements corrective action plans to ensure accuracy of laboratory results and improve efficiency.
Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience performing analytical method validation/verification and completing periodic quality assurance/assessment activities; AND developing and implementing corrective/preventative action plans to ensure accuracy of laboratory results and improve efficiency.
B. I have experience performing analytical method validation/verification and completing periodic quality assurance/assessment activities. I DO NOT have experience developing and implementing corrective/preventative action plans to ensure accuracy of laboratory results and improve efficiency.
C. I have experience completing periodic quality assurance/assessment activities. I DO NOT have experience performing analytical method validation/verification or developing and implementing corrective/preventative action plans to ensure accuracy of laboratory results and improve efficiency.
D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to performing method validation/verification and periodic quality assurance/assessment activities.
The actual duties you performed related to developing and implementing corrective/preventive action plans.
Your level of responsibility.

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - REVIEWS, INTERPRETS, AND EXPLAINS SCIENTIFIC OR TECHNICAL MATERIALS
Reviews, interprets, and explains professional scientific or technical materials which may include the results of laboratory analyses and examinations, standard operating procedures, training materials, or other documents relevant to the field of microbiology.
Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience reviewing, interpreting, AND explaining professional scientific or technical materials.
B. I have experience reviewing and interpreting professional scientific and technical materials. I do NOT have experience in explaining scientific or technical materials.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to effective communication or technical writing.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of material you reviewed, interpreted, or explained.
The actual duties you performed related to reviewing, interpreting or explaining professional scientific and technical materials.
Your level of responsibility.

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Microbiologist 2

Microbiologist 2

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