Laboratory Scientist -P11 - Bureau of Laboratories

MDHHS mission is to provide opportunities, services, and programs that promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for residents to be self‑sufficient. We are committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all employees are treated with dignity, respect and fairness.

This position has primary responsibility for performing a full range of molecular microbiological assignments in the Virology Section. The general function of this position is to process and perform diagnostic testing of human and animal specimens for the presence of diseases of public health concern. Testing assays include, but are not limited to, RT‑PCR to detect Influenza, COVID‑19, Measles, Mumps, Norovirus, and HCV;

RT‑PCR and Next Generation Sequencing of Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus; and other genotyping assays. Rabies testing is a requirement of this position, including participation in weekend on‑call duties on a rotational basis. The position uses considerable independent judgment to assure the reliability of assays performed and is aware of pre‑analytical, analytical, and post‑analytical errors and takes corrective measures when required, completes documentation needed to maintain CAP compliance, and maintains competencies for all performed testing.

• Education:
  • Possession of a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, forensic science, or a related pure or applied science.
  • Preferred:
    Bachelor’s degree or higher in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Medical Technology, Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics, or Clinical Laboratory Science (or other related laboratory field).
• Experience:
  • Laboratory Scientist 9:
    No specific type or amount is required.
  • Laboratory Scientist 10:
    One year of professional experience carrying out a variety of tests, analyses, or production and research activities involving chemical, biochemical and biological samples, specimens, and products equivalent to a Laboratory Scientist 9.
  • Laboratory Scientist P11:
    Two years of professional experience carrying out a variety of tests, analyses, or production and research activities involving chemical, biochemical and laboratory samples, specimens, and products equivalent to a Laboratory Scientist, including one year equivalent to a Laboratory Scientist 10.
• Must meet CLIA‑88 and Medicare requirements for microbiologists/laboratory scientists.
• Will be subject to pre‑employment, random, post‑accident, reasonable suspicion, return‑to‑duty and follow‑up drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Background investigation and criminal records check required; prior status within last three years may be considered for reinstatement.

This is an in‑person position; the physical location is 3350 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Lansing, MI. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview. Employees will be provided computers to perform state work, and phones may also be provided for necessary communications.

MDHHS is a Michigan Veteran’s Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran‑Friendly Employer. The Department of Health & Human Services reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.