Laboratory Scientist 2: PCR & Antibody Testing at STATE OF OHIO in BLACKLICK, Ohio

Job Description:

The ODH Public Health Laboratory seeks a qualified Laboratory Scientist to support PCR and antibody testing.

JOB DUTIES:

• Performs high-complexity testing of clinical or environmental, human or zoonotic specimens related to surveillance or diagnosis of infectious agents: uses high-complexity testing techniques (e.g., extraction of nucleic acids for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, serologic testing (IgM/IgG ELISA assays, MIA, IFA, PRNT, DFA)) that require specialized knowledge, training and judgment; tests samples submitted to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Public Health Laboratory for surveillance or diagnosis of infectious agents related to our public health mission, public health emergencies, public health programmatic grant requirements, or federal government requests.


• Adapts and validates methods from published methodology and protocols. Performs quality control testing on media, reagents, and test kits and records observations. Notifies Laboratory Scientist 3 or Microbiology Supervisor of variances in quality control results. Assists higher-level scientists with quality assurance activities & laboratory-wide quality initiatives. Enters specimen and sample information into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Provides customer service functions by providing test results to patients, physicians, local health departments (LHDs), and other government agencies..


• Monitors and ensures performance of laboratory equipment: performs routine maintenance and calibrations; identifies problems that require vendor support.


• Under the direction of microbiology supervisor and higher-level laboratory scientists: performs writing activities; monitors routine laboratory supplies needed to perform daily functions in collaboration with multi-disciplinary team (e.g., ODH Terrorism Response staff, State Highway Patrol, FBI, EMA, Public Safety, LHD); learns higher-level functions (e.g., verification and validation of new methods). Attends professional meetings and training on public health laboratory trends and methodologies.


• Testifies and participates in depositions as required by courts of law in lawsuits involving testing performed by the ODH Public Health Laboratory. Provides training to external laboratory personnel.


• As directed, maintains laboratory records and test results. Maintains clean and orderly work area. Monitors and helps to maintain laboratory supply inventory levels. As assigned, serves as a member of a disaster recovery/business resumption team, incident response team, or similar public health response team which may include the conduct of operations on a 24/7basis at remote locations.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposed to biofluids & tissue, sharps, caustic or toxic chemicals, &/or explosives.


• Vaccination for Hepatitis-B and Rabies virus will be required upon employment.

MINIMUM CLASS QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT:

• Must be vaccinated for Hepatitis-B and Rabies virus (or be willing to undergo vaccination prior to start), AND
  

• Must be able to provide own transportation, AND
  

• Must have at least one of the following combinations of education/training and experience:

• Associate's degree in a medical technology from accredited college or university, OR
  


• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification, OR
  


• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology; 12 mos. pertinent laboratory experience or training in the specialty or subspecialty in which the individual will be assigned, OR
  


• Education &/or training equivalent to 60 semester hours, or equivalent, that included 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; 18 mos. pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file, OR
  


• Education &/or training equivalent to 60 semester hours, or equivalent, that included 24 semester hours of science (including 6 semester hours of chemistry, 6 semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination); 18 mos. documented laboratory exp. in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Applications of those who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated against the following criteria: 

• Undergraduate or advanced degree in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science


• Undergraduate core coursework in microbiology


• Experience performing PCR amplification procedures


• Experience in the validation of new assays


• Experience in virology


• Experience in performing serologic assays


• Experience in DNA sequencing


• Experience in maintaining inventory of reagents and supplies


• Experience in writing test procedures and protocols


• Experience in dealing with medical and public health professionals regarding test results and samples


• Experience in developing and maintaining laboratory procedures

Your application must specifically address how you meet the above criteria through your experience, education, knowledge, skill and ability.

Salary: