Public Health Laboratory Scientist III

Employment Type: Executive Branch | Full Time | Eligible for Overtime Pay | 37.5 hours per week

About the role

The Department for Public Health, Division of Laboratory Services, Microbiology Branch, is dedicated to improving the health and safety of Kentucky citizens through prevention, promotion, and protection. The Public Health Laboratory Scientist III position provides the opportunity to perform critical, life-saving testing for various viral and bacterial diseases. The Branch works with submitting facilities across the state to ensure requested and mandated testing services are provided to all citizens living in the Commonwealth. The Division strives to allow individuals to enhance their laboratory skills through advanced trainings in state-of-the-art technologies.

The Virology Section of the Microbiology Branch is responsible for providing testing for approximately 5,000 specimens received each month. This testing enables timely treatment, reducing or eliminating the effects of infections that could lead to permanent physical and mental disability or death.

The successful candidate will work with state partners, such as the Division of Epidemiology, and federal partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ideal candidate is a fast learner, enthusiastic, motivated, detail-oriented, and familiar with HIPAA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Gain and maintain knowledge concerning testing for infectious viral diseases and associated pathogens
• Perform routine and complex testing and analysis, including molecular testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Perform Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (EIA)
• Perform animal necropsies on rabies suspect specimens
• Perform automated immunoassays for viral or bacterial diagnoses
• Provide after-hours, holiday, and weekend coverage for public health events and incidents
• Compile and maintain monthly reports
• Collect data and monitor quality assurance metrics
• Ensure compliance with and enforcement of accreditation program standards
• Collect and report data for departmental research to improve public health practices

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, biology, chemistry, microbiology, medical technology, zoology, forensics science, animal science, biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, health science, biomedical engineering, environmental biology, ecology, pre-med studies, agricultural engineering, bacteriology, biochemistry, physics, biophysics, dairy science, genetics, pathology, veterinary medicine, histology, or a related field.

Experience, Training, or Skills: Three years of professional laboratory work conducting laboratory testing.

• Certification as a Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Scientist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology substitutes for one year of experience.
• A master’s degree in medical laboratory science, medical technology, chemistry, any biological, physical, or agricultural science (including microbiology, virology, immunology, bacteriology, histology, molecular microbiology, or a related field) substitutes for one year of experience.

Skills

• Ability and desire to learn quickly
• Thorough knowledge of polymerase chain reaction testing
• Understanding of immunoassays and their application
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, and similar products
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively, motivate, delegate, and mediate
• Adherence to confidentiality requirements (HIPAA)

Benefits

• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Health insurance
• Professional development and training opportunities
• State retirement plan participation

Pay

$47,531.28 - $71,298.00 annually

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in a laboratory setting. May be exposed to potential hazards related to laboratory conditions and supplies, requiring adherence to safety precautions.

This position has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months.