Viral Pathogens Supervisor

About this Role

Job Summary

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by supervising work in the field of infectious diseases for the detection of influenza, enterovirus, adenovirus, SARS‑CoV‑2, norovirus, rotavirus and other respiratory and gastroenteric viruses using real‑time PCR, genetic sequencing, and cell culture. The Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) Supervisor is responsible for the supervision of PHM I, II, and Specialists and Research Scientist, Microbiologists, Research Associates, and other scientific staff.

The PHM Supervisor is a Unit Supervisor of the Respiratory and Gastroenteric Diseases Section CDPH 2388 (Rev. 10/2024) Page 1 of 3 State of California – Health and Human Services Agency California Department of Public Health (RGDS). Duties include providing day‑to‑day administrative guidance and direction to subordinates. This includes planning, organizing, and directing tasks related to the current scientific studies or public health investigations (diagnostic or surveillance) of broad scientific scope and complexity. The PHM Supervisor will be expected to make independent decisions and serve as a consultant to other lower‑level scientists conducting studies in the field of respiratory and gastroenteric diseases. The administrative duties of the PHM Supervisor will include budgeting and program planning for scientific research projects and investigations, recruitment, training, and supervising appropriate research personnel and other lower‑level staff. The PHM Supervisor may conduct highly specialized phases of a major scientific project or investigation that would require coordination with professional staff from other State, local, or Federal agencies and publish or present such scientific research or investigations to other public health experts and the community.

Key Responsibilities

• 35% Oversee and direct molecular and serological testing for viruses in accordance with CLIA regulations. Review all results and direct further testing as necessary. Review and supervise quality control procedures and practices in Section, including standardization of reagents, test controls, and quality assurance methods. Provide oversight of the proficiency testing (PT) program for the Section in accordance with CLIA regulations.
• 20% Assign work priorities and duties to personnel in the Section. Assume responsibility for quality and quantity of work output for Section. Provide training and guidance of personnel in diagnostic procedures. Evaluate personnel and complete performance evaluations and probation reports. Oversee adherence to laboratory safety procedures.
• 20% Provide technical leadership, specialized skills, training and guidance of microbiologists and other laboratory staff in the performance of complex and standard assays for the characterization of human viral and rickettsial pathogens. Develop and perform complex serologic and molecular tests. Provide guidance and direction of complex public health investigations.
• 10% Provide technical assistance, training, and support to local public health laboratories. Organize and conduct training classes and workshops in virology methods and procedures.
• 10% Review current scientific literature and participate in conferences to keep informed of technological and diagnostic advances in virology. Write technical protocols and reports and collaborate in preparation of manuscripts for publication.
• 5% Perform other administrative duties as required.

Qualifications

All employees shall possess the general qualifications, as described in California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 172, which include, but are not limited to integrity, honesty, dependability, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.

Competencies

The competencies required for this position are found on the classification specification for the classification noted above. Classification specifications are located on the California Department of Human Resource’s Job Descriptions webpage.

Special Requirements

Conflict of Interest (COI)

Background Check and/or Fingerprinting Clearance

Medical Clearance

Travel:

Bilingual: Pass a State written and/or verbal proficiency exam in

License/Certification: California Public Health Microbiologist Certification

Other: Vaccinations may be required