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

Opening: 08/04/2026 12:00 AM – 08/10/2026 11:59 PM Central Time
Location: Nashville, TN – Department of Health, Division of Laboratory Services (DLS)

Pay

$4,057.00 – $5,078.00 monthly ($48,684.00 – $60,936.00 annually)

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday with a rotating Saturday shift

About the role

The Public Health Laboratory Scientist 2 is an advanced/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 average difficulty, including all phases of laboratory testing, troubleshooting, data analysis, and interpretation. This role has broader responsibilities and greater complexity than a PH Laboratory Scientist 1.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory testing and quality assurance activities for all phases of testing in accordance with agency policies, 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, supervisors, and/or managers; notifies supervisors of operational issues and maintains effective written and oral communications.
• Maintains knowledge of clinical and public health infectious diseases, environmental laboratory science, or related laboratory specialties; follows agency and organizational policies and procedures.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Sciences, or a related field from an accredited college or university, plus at least one year of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience; OR
• Successful completion of a two-year accredited medical laboratory technician program, plus at least one year of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience; OR
• Meets CLIA Testing Personnel Qualification Category set forth in federal CMS regulations 42 CFR 493.1489, plus at least one year of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience.
• Undergraduate or graduate coursework in a related field may substitute for up to one year of the required education or experience (e.g., 24 graduate semester hours or 36 graduate quarter hours).
• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license throughout employment.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• For driving-related positions: no DUI, reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, or more than 4 moving violations in the past five years.

A transcript with all credits is required to evaluate eligibility.

Skills

• Analytical skills and attention to detail
• Time management and technical proficiency
• Problem-solving abilities, deductive reasoning, and mathematical reasoning
• Communication ability, speech clarity, and critical thinking
• Active listening and problem sensitivity
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures, quality control standards, health and safety regulations, sample preparation, analysis, and equipment maintenance/calibration

Tools & Equipment

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