Newborn Screening Microbiologist
Newborn Screening Microbiologist (Microbiologist 2)
REQ-192394
Open Date: 1/12/2026
Close Date: 1/26/2026
Monthly Salary: $4,833 - $7,407
Work Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
*Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.
Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! - Newborn Screening Microbiologist (Microbiologist 2)
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division (PHD), Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OPSHL) in Hillsboro, Oregon has a career opportunity for a Newborn Screening Microbiologist to perform testing for the Newborn Screening Program. The Oregon Health Authority has the statutory responsibility for screening all infants born in the state for selected congenital conditions.
As the Newborn Screening Microbiologist, you will be involved in the daily testing and reporting processes in the laboratory, performing a variety of tests on dried blood spot specimens collected from newborns. In this role, you will follow established laboratory policies and procedures to assure timely and appropriate identification of presumptive positive newborn screening samples to optimize the early diagnosis and treatment for affected children.
The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OSPHL) has been actively protecting the public's health since 1903 by supporting state and local infectious disease control efforts, preventing metabolic disorders detectable at birth, and assuring the quality of testing in clinical and environmental laboratories. Click here for more information.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday.
For a full review of the position description, please click here.
What We Are Looking For
Minimum Qualifications: These qualifications must be visible in your application for consideration.
- A bachelor's degree in public health, chemical, physical, or biological science or a degree in medical technology from an accredited institution AND one (1) year of pertinent laboratory training and/or experience in high complexity testing within the specialty of clinical chemistry or microbiology. OR
- A master's degree in public health, chemical, physical, or biological science or a degree in medical technology from an accredited institution.
Desired Attributes: The following are skills and lived experiences that we have identified as key to success in this role at OHA. These are the attributes we are looking for in our top candidate. If you possess any of these, please let us know in your application.
- Experience working in a clinical laboratory.
- Experience performing newborn screening testing.
- Experience performing clinical chemistry and molecular testing.
- Knowledge of newborn screening practice standards, clinical correlation and interpretation of laboratory results, and patient care.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Advanced knowledge to analyze, interpret, and make independent decisions.
- Ability to set priorities and perform multiple tasks at one time.
- Strong interpersonal skills for effectively communicating and collaborating with colleagues and professionals of varying levels within the laboratory setting.
Application Guidance
How to Apply: Submission Requirements - At the time of application, ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date and attach a current copy of your resume (required), cover letter (required).
Benefits of Joining Our Team
We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm. You will collaborate with a team of bright individuals to work with and learn from. If you're driven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority is the place for you. We also offer a competitive benefits package including:
- Excellent medical, vision, and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members with a very low monthly out-of-pocket cost.
- Optional life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.
- Employee benefits include 11 paid holidays, 3 personal business days, 8 hours of monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours per month.
- Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
- Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
- Training opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.