Laboratory Scientist 2, ODH Public Health Lab - PN20013765 at STATE OF OHIO in BLACKLICK, Ohio

Job Description:

New opportunity at Ohio's Public Health Laboratory for a qualified Laboratory Scientist!

JOB DUTIES:

• Performs high through-put testing for clinical samples using thorough knowledge, training and judgment of high complexity testing techniques (e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR), time resolved fluorescence, liquid scintillation, staining and culturing methods, mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography, isoelectric focusing, nucleic acid sequencing and mutational analysis) to measure analytes and other markers of disease in human newborns: maintains a log (e.g., date of receipt, specimen number, subsequent results) of all specimens received; ensures compliance and documentation for all quality control procedures, regulations, safety procedures and testing protocols as established for the bureau and federal regulators; participates in collaborative analysis within lab group.
  
   


• Adapts and validates methods from established protocols; performs quality control as described in protocol manual by conducting special and/or complex biochemistry, molecular genetics and cell biology testing and sample preparation methods and analysis; maintains database of specimens received; provides customer service functions by communicating explanations of basic methods and procedures and test results to patients, physicians, local health departments (LHDs) and other government agencies, in accordance with agency regulations.
  
   


• Monitors and ensures operating efficiency of laboratory equipment, reagents and assays by performing routine maintenance calibrations, troubleshooting repair, and diagnosing problems that require vendor support; communicates result, equipment, testing or other laboratory issues to supervisors and coworkers.
  
   


• Under direction of Newborn Screening Lab Manager and higher level laboratory scientists, performs research and analysis and prepares written materials and reports; participates in collaborative analysis within lab group and with multi-disciplinary team (e.g., ODH Terrorism Response staff, State Highway Patrol, FBI, EMA, Public Safety, LHDs) to address special cases (e.g., bioterrorism and preparedness programs, pandemics); attends meetings and reviews literature to maintain professional status on new procedures; attends trainings and participates in self-study to develop and maintain knowledge and technical ability; assists higher level laboratory scientists and Newborn Screening Lab Manager in performing research studies, writing technical and scientific reports, and learns new and advanced high complexity testing methodologies and to increase laboratory efficiency by maintaining detailed records of new testing programs; reports on tests performed and reagents/chemicals used; performs research to improve and develop methods and procedures; interprets and applies laboratory procedures.
  
   


• Testifies and participates in depositions as required by courts of law in lawsuits involving testing performed by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Public Health Laboratory (PHL); assists in conducting training for internal and external laboratory personnel.
  
   


• As directed, records, and maintains laboratory records, test results, and information in hard copy or electronic format; maintains clean and orderly work area; maintains inventory of needed reagents/supplies/equipment and informs appropriate personnel of status for designated testing area within the laboratory. 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 24/7 basis at remote locations.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: 

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


• Hepatitis-B vaccination required


• May work varying hours

MINIMUM CLASS QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT:

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

  
  

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  Must be able to provide own transportation, AND

  
  

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

  
  

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

  
  


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  Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification, OR

  
  


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  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

  
  


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  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

  
  


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  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: 

• Graduate or advanced degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology


• Experience with trouble shooting, performing and documenting quality control tests 


• Experience with Newborn Screening or other high complexity testing procedures


• Experience working in a high-throughput environment time and operation of high-throughput equipment     


• Experience in maintaining equipment, inventory and records


• Experience in generating reports and communications and using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel)


• Experience working with a database system


• Experience dealing with public health professionals regarding test results and samples and presenting lab findings


• Experience training others                                                                                                                    


• Experience in data analysis and using spreadsheets to analyze large data sets 

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

Salary: