Special Pathogens Technician; Laboratory Technologist II

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Work under the general supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor, Special Pathogens Laboratory, Public Health Laboratory. Performs a variety of high complexity, diagnostic, and reference laboratory testing using molecular biology based procedures as BSL-2 and BSL-3 for the purpose of investigating infectious disease outbreaks, antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, bioterrorism agents, or other public health threats or emergencies.

• Performs Molecular Biology based, high complexity analyses such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Timed Resolved Fluorometry, Mass spectrophorometry (MALDI-TOF), Malarial testing for suspect Ebola cases, serological testing and nucleic acid (gene) sequencing.
• Performs Clinical Microbiological procedures such as bacterial cultures, biochemical testing, phage lysis and susceptibility testing.
• Performs laboratory procedures and duties related to the public health laboratory preparedness and response to bioterrorism (biologic agents), infectious disease outbreaks, emerging infectious diseases of public health importance and other public health threats and emergencies. Available after hours and on weekends for these duties as needed. Serves on a 365/7/24 on-call roster for response to bioterrorism.
• Operates and maintains PCR,Timed Resolved Fluorometry (TRF), MALDI-TOF, and nucleic acid sequencing instrument systems; operates and maintains microscopes, biological safety cabinets, and other microbiology equipment. Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of instrument and equipment maintenance and function verification checks. Performs quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) activities. Maintains accurate and up-to-date QA and QC records to document compliance with laboratory regulatory and accreditation agencies guidelines, standards, and regulations.
  
  Prepares and maintains in-date media and reagents.
• Maintains records of patient specimens and test results, and reports test results. Provide technical consultation to clinicians, laboratory scientists, and public health staff.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned, including required travel if requested, and responds as directed during emergencies which may occur outside normal work hours, and travel if requested.

A bachelor's degree in a related medical or scientific discipline; or an associate degree or equivalent training in a related medical, scientific or technical discipline and journey-level work experience in a related field.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Must be able to pass the Criminal Justice Information Services’ Bioterrorism Security Risk Assessment. (See page 7 of the link below for the contraindications set forth from the Criminal Justice Information Services - contraindications noted in 22a-22i) https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). Must be able to work flexible hours and be able for 24-hour on call duty, overnight travel, and occasional weekend and holiday work.

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the SCDPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

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