Public Health Laboratory Scientist General Lead

GRADE

21

MDH, Laboratory Administration, Baltimore, MD

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.

• Education:
  
  A Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Medical Technology, Pharmacy or Zoology from an accredited college or university.
• Experience:
  
  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.
• Notes:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.

The selected candidate must possess one (1) year of experience working in a clinical molecular laboratory (involving, but not limited to: molecular testing using either PCR or rt-PCR).

• 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

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.

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work.

Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a…