PH LABORATORY SCIENTIST 1 - NEWBORN SCREENING - 08252026-80252

Location: Department of Health, Davidson County – Division of Laboratory Services, Nashville, TN

Schedule: Full-time, Sunday–Thursday or Tuesday–Saturday

Salary: $3,631.00 – $4,533.00 monthly ($43,572.00 – $54,396.00 annually)

Overview

The Public Health Laboratory Scientist 1 for Newborn Screening is an entry/working-level position that performs routine laboratory, operational, and administrative activities in the TDH Division of Laboratory Services. Under general supervision of a Public Health Laboratory Manager or Director, the incumbent serves as a Laboratory Scientist responsible for performing laboratory testing and operational tasks of routine difficulty, including but not limited to performing all phases of laboratory testing, data analysis and interpretation, and assisting in troubleshooting. This position performs routine technical and non-technical work with responsibilities that are less complex than other positions within this job series.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory testing and quality assurance activities for all phases of testing in accordance with agency policies and procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and organizational goals.
• Contributes to laboratory processes and procedures, equipment and supply inventory management, and assists in troubleshooting practices for laboratory testing and operations.
• Participates in laboratory projects and initiatives, data analysis and management, verification/validation studies, and process improvement activities.
• Communicates laboratory operational and testing activities/tasks with laboratory personnel, supervisor, and/or managers. Notifies laboratory supervisors and/or managers of any operational issues and maintains effective written and oral communications among personnel.
• Maintains knowledge of clinical and public health infectious diseases, environmental laboratory science, or related laboratory specialties. Follows agency and organizational policies and procedures and maintains technical and non-technical proficiency and competency.
• Assists with technical and non-technical trainings for laboratory staff, students, fellows, and other professionals.
• Participates in laboratory section and division activities and initiatives.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• May be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Sciences, or related field of study from an accredited college or university; OR
• Successful completion of a two-year accredited medical laboratory technician program; OR
• Meet CLIA Testing Personnel Qualification Category set forth in federal CMS regulations 42 CFR 493.1489.

Substitution of Education for Experience: Undergraduate or graduate course work received from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for the required education and experience on a year-to-year basis to a maximum of two years (e.g., 24 graduate semester hours or 36 graduate quarter hours in a related field may substitute for education and/or one year of the experience).

A transcript with ALL credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order for the agency to properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for this classification.

Necessary Special Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license throughout the duration of employment.
• Must meet State of Tennessee driver standards: a valid driver’s license and, for the past five years, no record of DUI, reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, or more than four moving violations.

This position requires a criminal background check.

Skills

• Analytical Skills
• Attention to Detail and Active Listening
• Time Management
• Technical Proficiency
• Problem Solving Abilities
• Deductive Reasoning
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Communication Ability and Speech Clarity
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Sensitivity

Tools & Equipment

• General Lab Equipment
• Lab Section Specialized Equipment
• Autoclaves
• BSC and Fume-hoods
• Computers

Competencies (KSA's)

• Builds Effective Teams
• Instills Trust
• Action Oriented
• Customer Focus
• Communicates Effectively

Knowledge

• Laboratory Procedures
• Quality Control Standards
• Health and Safety Regulations
• Sample Preparation and Analysis
• Equipment Maintenance and Calibration