Agricultural Laboratory Scientist II; Laboratory Scientist, Microbiology,Serology,Molecular & N

Introduction

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) was formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland. MDA operates as a regulatory body for animal health, provides consumer services including marketing and lab services, manages plant and pest management, and promotes resource conservation. As the state’s largest industry, agriculture programs continue to expand and grow.

Vision:
Achieving excellence in programs and services that preserve and protect agricultural resources and the environment, promote profitable agriculture and consumer confidence, and enhance the quality of life for all Marylanders.

Mission:
Providing leadership and support to agriculture and the citizens of Maryland by conducting regulatory, service, and educational activities that assure consumer confidence, protect the environment, and promote agriculture.

As an Agricultural Laboratory Scientist II, this position supports MDA’s mission to prevent and control infectious diseases of livestock and poultry, ensuring consumer confidence by performing high‑quality veterinary analytic and diagnostic tests in the Salisbury Animal Health Laboratory (SAHL). The role includes microbiology, parasitology, serology, molecular, and necropsy laboratory duties.

• Perform laboratory diagnostic testing according to Laboratory Operating Procedures and ISO 10725 Standards, using appropriate PPE and BSC as required.
• Support microbiology and serology laboratories, including aerobic/anaerobic cultures, antibiotic sensitivities, parasitology, mycology, and EIA testing per VADDS procedures.
• Provide backup support for molecular testing and necropsy assistance during high workload periods.
• Handle data entry and verification in VADDS, GVL, and VSPS systems, ensuring timely reporting of results.
• Collaborate with the Technical Laboratory Manager on training, proficiency testing, and new procedure evaluations.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, maintain equipment, and schedule semiannual meetings to improve laboratory efficiency.
• Participate in special projects, the Laboratory Response Network Sentinel Laboratory Bio‑Terrorist Preparedness Training Program, and the laboratory accreditation process.
• Prepare and update procedure manuals, SOPs, and work instructions; manage corrective action reports and documentation.
• Maintain a clean, organized workplace; record test results and inventory logs; notify management of pending work before leave.

• Five years of laboratory analysis experience in a biological, chemical, food, commercial, animal health, medical, or public health laboratory.
• Four additional years performing veterinary analytical, diagnostic, and epidemiological laboratory testing.
• Substitution options for experience:
  Bachelor's in biological or chemical sciences with one general microbiology course, one year of relevant lab experience;
  Master's in biological or chemical sciences; U.S. Armed Forces military service as a commissioned officer with relevant specialty codes.

• One year of veterinary field experience such as veterinary research or diagnostic laboratory work.
• One year of diagnostic testing experience in bacteriology, serology, molecular, or other pathogen testing.
• One year of necropsy assistance experience in a clinical, research, or diagnostic laboratory setting.
• One year of laboratory software data entry system experience.

• Possibility of a medical examination to rule out color blindness.
• Willingness to undergo and maintain rabies immunization.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated based on education, training, and experience related to the position. Qualified candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified, and placed on the eligible employment list. The list may be used for similar positions in this or other state agencies.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application process is strongly preferred. If applying by paper, mail the application to:
Maryland Department of Agriculture, Human Resources Office – Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401. All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date; postmarks are not accepted. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application form.

For questions about this recruitment, contact Stacey Summers at 410‑841‑5840 or mda.human resources.

Maryland is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates to apply. Veterans are thanked for their service.