MICROBIOLOGIST 2		

DEFINITION:

Under the limited supervision of a Microbiologist 3 or other supervisory 
official in the Department of Health or in the Department of Agriculture, or 
in a county/municipal run laboratory, independently conducts microbiologic, 
molecular and serologic tests/analyses; prepares reports; may coordinate 
the work of lower-level microbiologists and laboratory workers; does other 
related duties as required.

NOTE:  The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes 
only.  An employee using this title may not perform all duties listed in 
this job specification.  Conversely, all duties performed on the job may 
not be listed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Independently conducts prescribed microbiologic, molecular and 
serologic tests on submitted materials/specimens requiring specific 
routine functions.

May take the lead in interpreting test results and preparing and 
issuing reports.

May coordinate the work of lower-level microbiologists and technical 
laboratory personnel conducting microbiological tests and analyses.

Determines and performs supplementary tests when initial test results 
are unclear.

May take the lead in conducting research on microbiologic and related 
problems.

Oversees the acquisition, storage, preservation, recording, and proper 
use of laboratory equipment, materials, and supplies.

Keeps current with literature, practices, and new developments in the 
field of microbiology. Joint division continue education activities.

Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports 
of microbiological tests, analyses, and examinations containing findings, 
conclusions, and recommendations.

Maintains microbiologic records, reports, and files.

Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or 
manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, 
or related units.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s 
degree in a biological science including or supplemented by twelve 
(12) semester hour credits in specific microbiological courses in the 
study of microorganisms, which includes bacteriology, virology,  
parasitology, and/or mycology.

EXPERIENCE:

Two (2) years of experience in a public health or clinical laboratory 
conducting diagnostic microbiological/molecular and serology tests, 
examinations, and/or research.

NOTE:   A Master's degree in Microbiology may be substituted for one 
(1) year of experience as stated above.

NOTE:   A Doctorate degree in Microbiology may be substituted for two 
(2) years of the required experience.

NOTE:   Appointees may be required to perform physical activities such 
as lifting, carrying, and standing for an extended period of time.

NOTE:  Appointees may be required to get vaccinations or submit 
vaccination records.

NOTE:  Appointees may be required to wear Personal Protective 
Equipment.

LICENSE:

Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in 
New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee
mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the precautions to be taken in the use and maintenance 
of sterile equipment and the minor repair of laboratory equipment. 

Knowledge of the principles of microbiology and allied disciplines.

Knowledge of the equipment, materials, and supplies used in a 
microbiological laboratory.

Knowledge of the media, reagents, equipment, and methodologies 
used in microbiologic examinations.

Knowledge of the precautions to be taken in handling specimens.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used to conduct 
microbiologic/serologic tests and analyses.

Ability to organize assigned laboratory work, analyze microbiological 
problems, and develop effective work methods.

Ability to conduct tests and interpret and report on results.  

Ability to take measures required to ensure that laboratory areas are 
maintained in a clean, orderly, and safe condition and that 
equipment/instruments are maintained in good operating condition.

Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative 
reports of microbiologic/, molecular, serologic tests and analyses 
containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Ability to provide guidance to lower-level microbiologists and other 
technical staff.

Ability to establish and maintain records, reports, and files.

Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or 
manual recording and information systems used by the agency, 
office, or related units.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English 
sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.  American Sign 
Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of 
communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can 
perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable 
accommodation.  If the accommodation cannot be made because it 
would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not 
be eligible.


This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
Job
Spec
Code
Variant
State,
Local or
Common
Class of
Service
Work
Week
State
Class
Code
Local
Class
Code
Salary
Range
Note
02003
C
C
NE
22
N/A
P22
-

This job specification is for state government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.

 5/08/2021