Laboratory Scientist 1 (Molecular Section)

State of Ohio•Reynoldsburg, OH

20h•Onsite

About The Position

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website ! Our benefits package includes: Medical Coverage 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 ) Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position. 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. Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. Competitive salary: $50,253 - $63,544 Annually Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio! The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation. ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch. You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do. The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting. Supplemental Information: If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter. Unusual Working Conditions \: Exposed to biofluids & tissue, sharps, caustic or toxic chemicals, &/or explosives; may work varying hours. For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact: Ryan Gunter - [email protected] The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration. The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). The recommended candidate for this position may be required to take a drug screen as part of their approval process. A candidate who tests positive for illegal or improperly used controlled drugs will not be hired. What We Do: Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy! As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans. The Molecular Diagnostics & Sequencing section performs PCR-based assays and DNA sequencing to detect, identify, and characterize infectious agents in animal specimens. What You’ll Do: 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. This position is responsible for:

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Receives test specimens (e.g. tissue, fluids, swabs etc.) & prepares specimens for nucleic acid extraction using automatic instruments and/or manual commercial kits, does pathogen identification by PCR, DNA sequencing or other diagnostic tests
Understands theory & techniques of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, disposes of materials utilizing appropriate decontamination procedures
Playing supporting role for supervisors and other higher-level scientists to performs tests requiring specialized knowledge, training & judgment within Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) Molecular Diagnostics and Sequencing Section (e.g., primers/probes design, conventional and real-time PCR, DNA sequencing including Sanger and next generation sequencing)
Under direction of higher level Laboratory Scientist, manages and orders primers/probes, consumables, reagents
Manage inventories and long term storage samples in Molecular section
Work schedule may include Saturdays
Orders reagents and consumables and maintains the inventory system in Molecular & Sequencing Section
Maintains laboratory record system (e.g. initial sample identification, log in, transfer of ID through test system)
Prepares & maintains various test reagents & plastic ware for laboratory use
Appropriates & maintains in-house control samples
Notifies supervisor of present or potential problems or trends observed with control chart data
Provide support to supervisors and other higher level scientists to conduct research and new assay development/validation
Provides training to interns, internal and external personnel
Performs other related duties as assigned
Playing supporting role for supervisors and other higher-level scientists to carries out QA/QC related activities

Benefits

Medical Coverage
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 )
Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.
Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are free after one year of continuous service.
Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
11 paid holidays per year
Childbirth/Adoption leave
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.
The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan.
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: o Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations. o Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest). o Inpatient claims for all types of delivery. o Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge. o 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).
Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay.