Laboratory Scientist 1 Bacteriology

State of Ohio•Reynoldsburg, OH

3d•$51,750 - $65,458•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for performing routine diagnostic assays within the Animal Disease & Diagnostic Laboratory, including processing clinical specimens for bacterial and fungal culture and organism identification using various conventional microbiological techniques and molecular methods. The role involves maintaining proper culture environments, assisting veterinary microbiologists in advanced diagnostic workflows, and establishing definitive organism identification through traditional and advanced methodologies. Responsibilities also include disposing of materials according to decontamination and biosafety procedures, conducting quality control, preparing reagents, monitoring and maintaining equipment, troubleshooting, and utilizing computer systems for data entry and reporting. The position requires effective workflow planning, workspace maintenance, supply tracking, drafting standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintaining in-house control samples, preserving isolates for long-term storage, and recording quality-control data. The role also involves identifying and reporting issues based on control-chart performance and assisting in the development and validation of new diagnostic assays and research, including drafting scientific reports and SOPs. Additional related duties across other laboratory sections may be assigned. This position is covered by the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement, with internal bargaining unit members having selection rights.

Requirements

30 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.
Or completion of associate degree in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science; 12 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.
Or completion of undergraduate core coursework in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science.
Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Nice To Haves

No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio.

Responsibilities

Performs routine diagnostic assay within Animal Disease & Diagnostic Laboratory including processing clinical specimens for bacterial and fungal culture and organism identification using various conventional microbiological techniques and molecular methods
Maintains proper culture environment to support optimal microbial growth
Assist veterinary microbiologist in advanced diagnostic workflows
Establishes definitive organism identification through both traditional testing as well as advanced methodologies
Disposes of materials in accordance with established decontamination and biosafety procedures
Conducts quality control procedures as described in laboratory Protocols for all assigned tests and prepares reagents & quality-control materials required for testing
Provides results to appropriate individuals following agency established guidelines
Monitors equipment to assess performance, diagnose malfunctions
Performs routine maintenance
Troubleshoots & repairs equipment as needed & determine when to contact vendor for assistance
Utilize computer systems (including hardware, software and agency’s LIMS accurate data entry, tracking, management, and reporting of diagnostic data
Updates and maintains work-related documentation
Effectively plans & organizes workflow
Cleans & maintains workspace
Tracks & orders supplies
Drafts standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Maintains in-house control samples & reference materials
Preserves isolates and organisms for long-term storage
Records quality-control data while preparing corresponding control charts
Identifies and reports existing or emerging issues or trends based on control‑chart performance to the supervisor
Assists bacteriologist in developing and/or validation of new diagnostic assays
Under direction of higher-level scientists Assist in research of new assay development/validation, drafting scientific report and SOPs
Performs additional related duties across other laboratory sections as assigned

Benefits

Medical Coverage
Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.
Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance
Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are free after one year of continuous service.
Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance
Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
11 paid holidays per year
Childbirth/Adoption leave
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary.
Deferred Compensation
The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan.
Maternity Benefits
Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options.
Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.
Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include: Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations. Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest). Inpatient claims for all types of delivery. Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge. Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.
Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression).
Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits.
Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay.
The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third-party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers.
Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )