Chemist/Microbiologist II

State of Utah Office of the Governor • Taylorsville, UT

4d • $29 - $44 • Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Public Health Laboratory (UPHL) needs a Newborn Screening Laboratory Scientist to perform biochemical and molecular newborn screening testing. UPHL is CLIA certified, and candidates must meet CLIA requirements. Continued employment may be contingent upon the successful completion of a fingerprinting background check. A teleworking option is not available for this position.

Requirements

• Meets CLIA testing personnel qualifications.
• Experience in handling clinical specimens in high-throughput, high-volume environments with short turnaround times.
• Experience using clinical instruments and assays for molecular, biochemical and/or mass spectrometry testing applications.
• Strong ability to support high-throughput testing workflows.
• Skilled at interpreting technical documentation and applying knowledge to practical tasks.
• Familiar with CLIA (or other regulatory agency) regulations and requirements.
• Willingness to learn and strictly adhere to established safety and operational guidelines.

Nice To Haves

• 3-5 years of experience in a clinical or other laboratory setting required.
• Sunday work required.
• Occasional work on Saturday, Sunday (if not on schedule), or on holidays is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform biochemical and molecular newborn screening testing.
• Participate in all high complexity testing functions, including screening testing with clinical auto-analyzers, analysis and usage of mass spectrometers, molecular testing including quantitative PCR based screening assays, PCR based tests, next-generation sequencing (NGS) based tests, hemoglobin analysis by isoelectric focusing and HPLC methods.
• Manage inventory control.
• Maintain instruments and equipment.
• Punch dried blood spots (DBS) using high-throughput punching equipment.
• Document all activities to meet CLIA requirements.
• Prepare specimens for laboratory analysis following appropriate guidelines and procedures.
• Analyze and test newborn DBS and resulting in LIMS system.
• Review results for hemoglobin variants by IEF, HPLC, real-time PCR, NGS, mass spectrometry and DELFIA based assays.
• Review and/or inspect work for quality, accuracy, and completeness.
• Stay current and compliances with all laboratories standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Participate in research and development projects related to newborn screening and laboratory testing.
• Demonstrate a commitment to customer service and patient care by providing timely and accurate responses to inquiries and requests for information.
• Uphold ethical standards and confidentiality in all aspects of laboratory work.
• Other duties as assigned by the management.

Benefits

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed