BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 42005987 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY) 1

State of Florida • Kissimmee, FL

2d • $66,000 - $68,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This is an internal agency opportunity for current employees of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The position serves as a laboratory professional in the Molecular Biology Section of the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (BADDL). Responsibilities include the daily performance of molecular section tests for clinical samples, collection and entry of accurate test results into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and processing a wide variety of samples. The role requires competence, technical judgment, and independence in performing molecular analytical tests such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). The incumbent will maintain communication with the Section Head, work in BSL2 and potentially BSL3 containment facilities, and be trained in National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) protocols.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (4 years) from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences and two (2) years of related professional experience; OR A master’s degree (6 years) from an accredited college or university as described above and one (1) year of related professional experience; OR A doctorate (8 years) from an accredited college or university as described above.
• Graduates utilizing education attained in the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position will not be appointed until verification of the applicable degree has been obtained.
• Foreign trained graduates utilizing a degree attained outside of the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position must be prepared to provide a copy of a credential evaluation conducted by an Approved Credential Evaluation Agency.
• Requires possession of a valid driver license.
• Incumbent must be very comfortable using a respirator and working under directional airflow conditions in a containment facility that has an interlocking door system and has “shower out” restrictions for egress.
• Incumbent must pass a pulmonary function test with medical evaluation, must undergo and pass regular respirator fit-testing, and must wear a respirator when required.
• Incumbent must pass a pulmonary function test with medical evaluation and must wear a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) when required.
• Will be subject to the requirements of the proper use of appropriate respirator.
• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
• Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.
• Ability to perform calculations for unit conversions and dilutions.
• Ability to receive, and demonstrate understanding of technical instruction.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Proficiency in liquid handling using micropipettes in low light/dim conditions as molecular test reagents are light sensitive.

Nice To Haves

• Occasional travel required.

Responsibilities

• Daily performance of molecular section tests for clinical samples received in the section.
• Collection and entering of accurate test results in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Processing and testing of a wide variety of samples received from various sources (necropsy room, clinical samples, large animals, small animals, zoo animals, wild animals, avian species, environmental samples, mosquitoes, etc.).
• Performing data collection and analysis of test results.
• Discussing test results with the Section Head before releasing them to clients.
• Maintaining close and daily communication with the Molecular Biology Section Head.
• Receiving and verifying accession numbers of samples submitted to the section.
• Pre-processing preparation and processing of samples for extraction of DNA and/or RNA using various extraction and purification procedures.
• Amplification of DNA/RNA for identification of pathogen’s genome sequence using probe-based q PCR/RT-qPCR, and/or conventional PCR followed by agarose gel electrophoresis.
• Preparation of DNA/RNA library and setting up sequencing run for analysis of pathogen’s genomes.
• Digital photography/scanning of gel images and other test results to enter into LIMS.
• Serving as a case coordinator for accessions/samples submitted to the section.
• Ordering correct tests, performing tests, and entering test results into LIMS.
• Ensuring timely and accurate reports are available for Section Head review and release.
• Taking proficiency and competency tests periodically.
• Setting up controls to validate the efficacy of the tests.
• Continually checking and stocking/re-stocking of lab supplies.
• Adherence to the highest quality standards of lab procedures as outlined by the Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) program of BADDL.
• Maintaining stringent quality assurance records, including tracking all activities in the section from sample arrival to analysis, purchasing of supplies, validation of new tests, and handling quality assurance paper works of all testing procedures.
• Assisting the Section Head with developing and validation of assays, revising protocols as needed, and drafting SOP for special/new tests/projects.
• Being trained in National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) protocols and training employees outside of the Molecular Biology Section in those protocols.
• Assuring the proper working conditions of thermocyclers, extraction robots, pipettes, scales, and other equipment, including preventive maintenance or calibration in compliance with QA/QC program.
• Implementing daily work assignments, prioritizing work, and ensuring assigned responsibilities are completed in a timely manner.
• Providing training for the Molecular Biology Section staff and cross-training for staff of other sections.
• Assisting team members or other section members in all aspects of lab procedures or new projects as needed.
• Providing technical information and recommendations to laboratory clients.
• Maintaining and operating the lab with the highest quality of standards for yearly audits and inspections.
• Contributing equally to janitorial duties while working in the BSL3 building, including washing floors, doing laundry, removing and decontaminating garbage, and cleaning bathrooms and showers.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level