Laboratory Scientist 2 - Antimicrobial Resistance (PN20013780, PN20013867)

State of Ohio • Reynoldsburg, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ohio Department of Health Public Health Laboratory supports disease outbreak investigations, public health emergencies, identification of disease causes, and disease prevention and treatment across Ohio. The Laboratory Scientist 2 joins a public health science team producing timely, accurate, high-quality data to support early warning, outbreak response, and identification of illness sources.

The role performs high-complexity testing on clinical and environmental samples using specialized knowledge, training, and judgment. Testing methods may include microbiological culture and identification, MALDI-TOF, culture-independent diagnostic testing, BACTEC MGIT, Panther Fusion, PCR, next-generation sequencing, chemical separation and radiochemistry techniques, radiological counting, gross alpha/beta and gamma analysis, liquid scintillation, mass spectrometry, HPLC, and isoelectric focusing. The position also performs quality control testing, communicates test-result explanations to customers, monitors laboratory supplies, maintains documentation, and enters and processes data using a Laboratory Information Management System.

This is a permanent, full-time classified position at the Ohio Department of Health Public Health Laboratory in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though varying hours may be required. Selected candidates must be vaccinated for Hepatitis B or be willing to receive the vaccination after hire at no cost. Work may involve exposure to biofluids and tissue, sharps, caustic or toxic chemicals, and explosives. Candidates must be able to provide their own transportation.

Requirements

• Meet at least one stated qualification pathway: 42 months of pertinent laboratory experience; undergraduate core coursework in a biological, chemical, natural, or physical science plus 12 months of pertinent laboratory experience; completion of a Master of Science core program in one of those sciences; 12 months of experience as a Laboratory Scientist 1; or one of the specified Department of Health education, training, certification, and experience pathways.
• For the Department of Health pathways, qualifications include an associate degree in medical technology; MLT certification; a relevant bachelor's degree plus 12 months of pertinent specialty experience or training; or specified equivalent coursework and laboratory experience for high-complexity testing.
• Selected candidates must be vaccinated for Hepatitis B or be able and willing to receive the vaccination after hire.
• Must be able to provide own transportation.
• Submit official post-secondary transcripts within five working days of request when required.
• Final candidate must undergo a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Undergraduate or advanced degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or MLT certification.
• Experience in a clinical conventional microbiology or molecular laboratory.
• Experience performing PCR assays, including real-time or conventional PCR.
• Experience validating or verifying new assays.
• Experience with quality assurance programs and documenting quality control.
• Experience communicating with laboratory, technical, or public health professionals.
• Experience training others in microbiological or molecular techniques.
• Experience maintaining equipment, inventory, and records.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, or Access.
• Experience writing technical laboratory procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-complexity testing on clinical and environmental samples using specialized knowledge, training, and judgment.
• Use microbiological culture, microbial identification, PCR, next-generation sequencing, chemical separation, radiochemistry, radiological analysis, and other laboratory methods as required.
• Perform quality control testing on media, reagents, and test kits, and record observations.
• Explain test results to physicians, local health departments, and other government agencies.
• Monitor routine laboratory supplies in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and partner agencies.
• Maintain work-related documentation and use the Laboratory Information Management System to input and process data.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including employee development funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems and optional deferred compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree