LABORATORY RESEARCH SCIENTIST

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

IDPH is seeking a highly motivated doctorate Scientist with extensive experience in clinical microbiology, molecular biology, whole genome sequencing, and virology within public health laboratory settings. The role involves applying advanced diagnostic and genomic technologies to detect, characterize, and monitor infectious diseases, thereby supporting timely and data-driven public health responses. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to optimize laboratory workflows, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to high-impact research and surveillance initiatives.

Requirements

Requires a Doctor of Philosophy degree in chemistry, immunology, microbiology, toxicology, virology, or other scientific discipline closely related to these fields, to include professional laboratory experience in basic or applied laboratory research.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years experience in developing and implementing research, clinical or environmental assays.
Thorough knowledge in conducting responsible, independent basic and applied laboratory research and applying the results obtained to upgrade the analytical capability of laboratories.
Extensive knowledge of the laboratory sciences.
Two (2) years experience maintaining cooperative relationships with the technical/scientific personnel in other state agencies, local health jurisdictions and the general public.
Extensive knowledge in preparing scientific articles and presenting lectures outlining the results of complex research.
One (1) year experience in training and directing professional laboratory personnel in new testing methods.

Responsibilities

Develops, evaluates, validates, and implements new testing including microbiological assays, next generation sequencing and other molecular biology assays on environmental and clinical specimens for known pathogens of infectious disease, which may include testing on rabies specimens or identification of select agents.
Writes, reviews and updates laboratory procedures.
Provides technical assistance and training on the use of complex testing techniques and methods.
Performs thorough literature searches of scientific/medical research for application of testing methods on disease causing organisms.
Maintains cultures of viable pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms for methods development and controls, such as clinical, waterborne and food borne viruses, bacteria, parasites, etc.
Participates in national or regional collaborations to further the development and implementation of testing at state public health laboratories.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably 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