The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) save and improve lives by unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC, philanthropies, corporations, organizations and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. The CDC Foundation is the go-to nonprofit authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners and private-sector resources to support CDC’s critical health protection mission. Since 1995, the CDC Foundation has raised over $1.9 billion and launched more than 1,300 programs impacting a variety of health threats from chronic disease conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer, to infectious diseases like rotavirus and HIV, to emergency responses, including COVID-19 and Ebola. The CDC Foundation managed hundreds of programs in the United States and in more than 90 countries last year. Visit www.cdcfoundation.org for more information.  

Position Title: Environmental Microbiological Laboratory Specialist

Salary: $79,148.00 plus benefits

Position End Date: June 30, 2026

Location: Rhode Island Department of Health, State Health Laboratory (Providence, RI)

The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) save and improve lives by unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC, philanthropies, corporations, organizations, and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. The CDC Foundation is the sole entity authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners and private-sector resources to support CDC’s critical health protection mission. Since 1995, the CDC Foundation has launched approximately 1,000 programs and raised over $740 million. The CDC Foundation managed over 300 CDC-led programs in the United States and in more than 130 countries last year.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is seeking an Environmental Microbiological Laboratory Specialist-Wastewater Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens. This position will provide assistance in maintaining the State Health Laboratories’ capability to conduct molecular (PCR) testing to quantify the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens in wastewater samples. The incumbent will perform a variety of environmental sample handling, performance of standardized tests, and quality control in an environmental microbiology laboratory to pasteurize, prepare, extract, and analyze wastewater samples for SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogen surveillance studies. The candidate hired for this position must be current and provide proof of Hepatitis B vaccination.

· Bachelor of Science Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or Biochemistry

· Prior experience in microbiological or PCR analysis of environmental samples is preferred

· Proven ability to work independently

· A working knowledge of sample preparation and techniques of PCR analysis

· Working knowledge of the basic theories, principles, and practices of microbiology and PCR

· Working knowledge of standard laboratory personal protection equipment and biosafety precautions

· Ability to exercise judgment in preparing samples for testing, determining appropriate test procedures, and interpreting results

· Ability to perform laboratory extraction, pipetting, and analyses with a high degree of accuracy and precision

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers

· Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, and related capacities and abilities

· Perform a variety of tasks related to environmental sample handling, performance of standardized tests, and quality control in an environmental microbiology laboratory

· Pasteurize, prepare, extract, and analyze wastewater samples for SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogen surveillance studies

· Perform complex wastewater sample extraction and PCR analysis

· Recognize deviation from expected results, analyze, and correct problems using scientific principles

· Adhere to personal protection practices, safety practices, and regulations governing chemical and biosafety in the workplace

· Implement new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of sample handling and equipment. Compile test results and report findings.

· Perform preventative maintenance, periodic inspection, and performance testing of equipment and instruments

· Perform and document quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance, working together with a team to increase capability and capacity, and maintain focus and attention to methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors that influence test results

· Contribute to interpreting results and suggest follow-up test selection or procedures.

· Monitor supply inventories

· Maintain laboratory logs and records.

This role is involved in a dynamic public health program. As such, roles and responsibilities are subject to change as situations evolve. Roles and responsibilities listed above may be expanded upon or updated to match priorities and needs, once written approval is received by both the CDC Foundation and RIDOH in order to best support the Rhode Island Department of Health in their public health programming.

This position is currently an on-site position. CDC Foundation retains the right to make adjustments to this as required.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law. We comply with all applicable laws including E.O. 11246 and the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 governing employment practices and do not discriminate on the basis of any unlawful criteria in accordance with 41 C.F.R. §§ 60-300.5(a)(12) and 60-741.5(a)(7). As a federal government contractor, we take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.

The CDC Foundation is a smoke-free environment.

Relocation expenses are not included.

$79,148 - $79,148 a year