Agricultural Laboratory Scientist II

Animal Health•Wicomico, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As an Agricultural Laboratory Scientist II , this position serves primarily to support the Agency's mission to prevent and control infectious diseases of livestock and poultry and to ensure consumer confidence by conducting the highest quality veterinary analytic and diagnostic tests available in the assigned regional laboratory of the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA). The position is responsible for assisting with technical and scientific testing in the microbiology and parasitology diagnostic laboratories, performing duties related to serology, and assisting in the molecular and necropsy laboratory sections as required. This position is considered an essential employee for continuity of operations purposes.

Requirements

Five years of experience , one year of experience performing laboratory analysis work in a biological, chemical, food, commercial, animal health, medical or public health laboratory and an additional four years of experience performing veterinary analytical, diagnostic, and epidemiological laboratory testing work.
Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree in biological or chemical sciences from an accredited college or university, including one course in general microbiology and one year of experience performing laboratory analysis work in a biological, chemical, food, commercial, animal health, medical or public health laboratory for the required experience.
Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree in the chemical or biological sciences from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in natural resources management and biological science classification or natural resources management and biological science specialty codes in the animal science field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in the veterinary field such as working in veterinary research or diagnostics laboratory.
One year of experience performing diagnostic testing such as bacteriology, serology, molecular, or other testing for pathogens.
One year of experience assisting with animal autopsies (necropsies) in a clinical, research or diagnostic laboratory setting.
One year of experience with a laboratory software data entry system.

Responsibilities

Perform Laboratory Diagnostic Testing Procedures according to the Laboratory's Operating Procedures and ISO 10725 Standards.
Assist with all diagnostic testing in the Microbiology and Serology Laboratories that may include aerobic/anaerobic cultures, antibiotic sensitivities, parasitology, and mycology, according to the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and Salisbury Animal Health Laboratory (SAHL) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Provide backup support to Molecular testing conducted in the laboratory and necropsy assistance when the workload is high, or the lead scientists or necropsy scientists are absent.
Responsible for reviewing, reporting, and verifying test results in the Laboratory's Information Management Systems (V ADDS), Global Vet Link (GVL), or Veterinary Service Processes Streamlining (VSPS) within the time frame specified by the laboratory's Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs).
Partner with the Technical Laboratory Manager to schedule and complete all laboratory training and yearly proficiency testing.
Identify and evaluate new procedures and technologies in published literature.
Work with the lab's equipment manager to enter equipment certifications in the laboratory quality management system, Qualtrax.
Troubleshoot instrumentation within the microbiology and serological laboratories and maintains instruments in working order.
Pursue continuing education to keep abreast of professional, scientific, and practical aspects of microbiology/regulatory issues to maintain and improve laboratory skills to enhance job performance.
Perform special tests and surveys and participates in special projects.
Participate in the Laboratory Response Network Sentinel Laboratory Bio-Terrorist Preparedness Training Program.
Support and participate in the laboratory accreditation process, follows ISO 10725 requirements and Laboratory Quality Manual systems, including initiating Corrective Action Reports (CAR) and all required reporting and documentation in cooperation with the Technical Lab Manager and Quality Manager.
Review and update procedure manuals, technical manuals, SOPs, work instructions, and related journal materials for primary and secondary assigned laboratory sections.
Evaluate, develop, recommend, and implement new approaches or processes to improve laboratory efficiency, testing capability, and result turnaround time.
Perform inspections to determine the suitability of test samples and reports unsuitable sample issues to the Laboratory Manager.
Maintain a clean, organized workplace.
Keep records of worksheets and test results, as federal and state regulations mandate.
Record and track the inventory of laboratory supplies in the Microbiology stock supply areas.
Provide basic laboratory techniques, testing methods, and biosafety laboratory procedures as assigned for student interns, work-study students, and visiting scientists.