PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY SCIENTIST 2 - NEWBORN SCREENING - 08042026-79252

Location: Nashville, TN – Department of Health, Division of Laboratory Services (DLS)

Full-time position with a rotating Saturday shift. A criminal background check is required.

Pay

Monthly: $4,057.00 - $5,078.00
Annually: $48,684.00 - $60,936.00

Qualifications

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

Substitution: Undergraduate or graduate coursework in a related field may substitute for up to one year of the required education and/or experience (e.g., 24 graduate semester hours or 36 graduate quarter hours). An official transcript showing all credits must be uploaded with the application.

Special Qualifications: Valid motor vehicle operator’s license required throughout employment. Driver record must show no DUI, reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, or more than four moving violations in the past five years.

About the Role

The Public Health Laboratory Scientist 2 is an advanced/working-level position performing routine laboratory, operational, and administrative activities in the TDH Division of Laboratory Services. Under general supervision, the incumbent conducts laboratory testing and operational tasks of average difficulty, including all phases of testing, troubleshooting, data analysis, and interpretation. Responsibilities are broader in scope and more complex than those of a PH Laboratory Scientist 1.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing and quality assurance activities in accordance with agency policies, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and organizational goals.
• Contribute to laboratory processes, equipment and supply inventory management, and troubleshooting practices.
• Participate in laboratory projects, data analysis, verification/validation studies, and process improvement initiatives.
• Communicate operational and testing activities with laboratory personnel, supervisors, and managers; report operational issues promptly.
• Maintain knowledge of clinical and public health infectious diseases, environmental laboratory science, or related specialties.
• Follow agency and organizational policies; maintain technical and non-technical proficiency and competency.
• Assist with technical and non-technical trainings for laboratory staff, students, fellows, and other professionals.
• Participate in laboratory section and division activities and initiatives.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Skills

• Analytical skills and attention to detail
• Time management and technical proficiency
• Problem-solving and deductive reasoning
• Mathematical reasoning and critical thinking
• Effective communication and active listening

Tools & Equipment

• General laboratory equipment
• Lab-section specialized equipment
• Autoclaves, biosafety cabinets (BSC), and fume hoods
• Computers