Laboratory Scientist ; Molecular Section

What We Do:

Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system.

Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!

As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans.

No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio. The Molecular Diagnostics & Sequencing section performs PCR-based assays and DNA sequencing to detect, identify, and characterize infectious agents in animal specimens.

• Performs tests requiring specialized knowledge, training & judgment within Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) Molecular Diagnostics and Sequencing Section (e.g., molecular cloning, primers/probes design, conventional and real-time PCR, DNA sequencing including Sanger and next generation sequencing)
• Receives test specimens (e.g., tissue, fluids, swabs etc.) & prepares specimens for nucleic acid extraction using automatic instruments and/or manual commercial kits, does pathogen identification by PCR, DNA sequencing or other diagnostic tests
• Understands theory & techniques of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, disposes of materials utilizing appropriate decontamination procedures
• Reads and analyzes PCR results, interprets findings, establishes final conclusion and generates reports, solves problems & mitigates factors interfering with testing
• Develops, revises, improves & customizes analytical methods, equipment, formulas or processes, records worksheets properly for the testing
• Work schedule may include Saturdays
• Maintains laboratory record system (e.g. initial sample identification, log in, transfer of  test system, & final evaluation of results onto proper regulatory forms)
• Maintains inventory control for assigned areas
• Prepares & maintains various PCR control charts for laboratory use
• Appropriates & maintains in-house long term storage samples
• Notifies supervisor of present or potential problems or trends observed with control chart data
• Conducts research and new assay development/validation, writes scientific report and SOPs
• Provides training to newly employed scientists or lower-level scientists and internal and external personnel
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Carrying out QA/QC related activities
• Records quality control results, revises/improves SOPs and worksheets, works on quality related investigations such as CAR and corrections etc. as needed

This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.

ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit the Total Rewards website! Our benefits…