PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY SCIENTIST GENERAL LEAD

About the Role

This position will function as a Lead Public Health Laboratory Scientist in the Division of Molecular Biology: Molecular Diagnostics/Bioterrorism (BT) Program, leading subordinate Public Health Laboratory Scientist(s), assigning duties, and reviewing their work. Responsibilities include conducting specialized molecular biology–based procedures and assays (i.e., Laboratory Response Network (LRN) assays) under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) and Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) conditions; interpreting and reporting results from clinical, environmental, and animal specimens/samples submitted to the Maryland Department of Health Laboratories Administration for the detection of bacterial and viral infectious agents, including those potentially used in acts of bioterrorism.

This position also interprets and reports test results to epidemiologists and submitters and assists the Molecular Diagnostics Supervisor in implementing and sustaining new workflows while supporting and improving existing laboratory processes and quality assurance procedures. This work aligns with the Laboratories Administration's mission to provide high-quality public health laboratory services that promote, protect, and preserve the health and well-being of Maryland residents from communicable and infectious diseases. Testing is conducted in collaboration with federal programs, including the Emerging Infectious Disease Program (EIP), Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Program, Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (PHEPR), and the CDC Federal Homeland Security Grant.

Responsibilities

• Conduct specialized molecular biology–based procedures and assays (e.g., LRN assays) under BSL-2 and BSL-3 conditions.
• Interpret and report results from clinical, environmental, and animal specimens for detection of bacterial and viral infectious agents, including bioterrorism threats.
• Lead subordinate Public Health Laboratory Scientists by assigning duties and reviewing their work.
• Report test results to epidemiologists and submitters.
• Assist in implementing and sustaining new workflows and improving existing laboratory processes and quality assurance procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Medical Technology, Pharmacy, or Zoology from an accredited college or university.
• Three years of experience working in a chemistry laboratory performing analytical tests on environmental, biological, or multi-matrix samples; or three years of experience working in a medical or public health laboratory performing diagnostic or public health testing on human specimens.
• One year of experience working in a clinical molecular laboratory involving molecular testing using either PCR or rt-PCR.

Notes:

• Candidates may substitute additional graduate education at an accredited college or university at the rate of 30 credit hours in the above noted disciplines for each year of the required experience for up to two years of the required experience.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Health Science Research Officer classifications or Medical Laboratory Specialists specialty codes in the Science related field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a BSL-3 laboratory and troubleshooting technical problems.
• Experience evaluating new laboratory testing procedures, SOPM preparation, and requisition & procurement.
• Experience with LRN (Laboratory Response Network) and BT (Bioterrorism) workflows.
• Experience working in a CLIA regulatory laboratory.

Special Requirements

• Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

Benefits

State of Maryland benefits provided.