Clinical Laboratory Technologist I, Opt.A

State of Illinois•Springfield, MO

17d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Technologist I supports the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Division of Laboratories by performing high‑complexity analytical testing on clinical and environmental specimens associated with food‑ and waterborne disease outbreaks, clinical clusters, and other emergent public health threats using various whole genome sequencing platforms. Responsibilities include preparing and performing analytical testing; interpreting results; preparing technical reports; maintaining stringent quality‑control and quality‑assurance standards; all other sequencing quality metrics. The role further ensures compliance with all regulations, and contributes to research, method evaluation, and inventory management to maintain and advance IDPH’s mission to safeguard the health and safety of Illinois residents.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in medical technology from a recognized college or university; or a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in one of the chemical, biological, or physical sciences, supplemented by one (1) years professional clinical laboratory experience.

Nice To Haves

ASCP certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist.
One (1) year of experience with analysis techniques relevant to nucleic acid-based testing and/or whole genome sequencing.
One (1) year of laboratory experience supporting complex molecular workflows including DNA extraction, library preparation, and/or sequencing/preparation.
Two (2) years of experience, including handling automation workflows, reviewing run outputs, and ensuring compliance with quality and biosafety standards.
One (1) year of experience with whole genome sequencing workflows, including sample preparation, run setup, and interpretation of QC metrics.
One (1) year of experience following laboratory protocols, sample preparation, and workflow essential to whole genome sequencing pipelines.
One (1) year bioinformatics experience, including basic knowledge for genomic pipelines.

Responsibilities

Performs analytical testing on clinical specimens for Food and Waterborne disease outbreak testing and protentional bioterrorism agents and blood lead, reports results.
Performs experiments on specimens in order to detect the presence of organisms or conditions using fully automates, complex analyzers.
Provides assistance to other units.
Identifies methods and prepares clinical and environmental specimens for appropriate testing.
Performs and documents participation in the proficiency testing program.
Handles, sterilizes, and disposes of infectious waste in accordance with the approved guidelines and procedures.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonable within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Benefits

Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas (when available and dependent upon position)
Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
12 paid sick days annually which carryover year to year
3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro-rated dependent on start date)
13-14 paid holidays per year
12 weeks of paid parental leave
Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources