Public Health Scientist - Newborn Screening Molecular

Public Health Scientist
- Newborn Screening Molecular

Wake County, North Carolina, United States

Aug 28, 2026

$70,478 - $123,336/year

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Public Health

Job Classification Title

Publ Hlth Scientist (NS)

Position Number

Grade

NC20

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Public Health Scientist
- Newborn Screening Molecular position provides scientific and technical leadership in the Newborn Screening Molecular Laboratory at the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health, directing advanced molecular newborn screening activities that support public health testing priorities. It serves as a subject matter expert responsible for developing, validating, implementing, and improving complex molecular assays used to detect DNA variants and other markers for conditions on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel.

This role performs high‑level analytical and bioinformatic procedures using PCR, fragment analysis, and next‑generation sequencing technologies to ensure accurate and reliable newborn screening results. Work includes evaluating new molecular methodologies, integrating second‑tier testing strategies, and supporting expansion of the newborn screening panel. The position operates within a highly technical laboratory environment and ensures the scientific rigor, quality, and effective operation of molecular testing initiatives.

Key

Duties Include:

Develop and validate molecular testing methods to ensure accurate detection of DNA variants and molecular markers for newborn screening conditions.

Implement new diagnostic assays and integrate second‑tier testing strategies into existing laboratory workflows.

Perform advanced analytical procedures using PCR, fragment analysis, and next‑generation sequencing platforms.

Conduct complex bioinformatics analyses to support interpretation of molecular testing results.

Evaluate and assess new molecular methodologies for inclusion in newborn screening algorithms.

Prepare, review, and present scientific reports summarizing analytical findings and laboratory performance.

Provide technical guidance, training, and consultation to laboratory staff regarding molecular testing workflows and diagnostic procedures.

Troubleshoot complex issues involving instrumentation, software, assay performance, and laboratory workflows.

Maintain quality assurance practices aligned with regulatory requirements and laboratory standards.

Support strategic planning and continuous improvement of molecular diagnostic services within the newborn screening program.

Knowledge

Skills and Abilities

/Management Preferences

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

Expertise in developing, optimizing, validating, and implementing molecular testing methodologies using advanced laboratory techniques and instrumentation.

Demonstrated experience performing high‑complexity molecular diagnostic procedures, including PCR, fragment analysis, and next‑generation sequencing, to support newborn screening…