Laboratory Technology III

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Technology III works in the Genomic Surveillance Program’s Sequencing group, which performs testing of clinical, animal, and environmental specimens using culture, molecular, and next-generation sequencing methods. The position conducts high-complexity testing and analysis of clinical specimens to detect, identify, and type microorganisms of public health importance. It uses conventional, molecular, and serological testing methods and established multistep algorithms, and ensures specimens are handled and processed according to procedures and that results are reported within required turnaround times. The position performs molecular, microbiological, and NGS testing with minimal oversight, troubleshoots assays, and contributes to assay validation, verification, and optimization. It supports testing capacity and methodology evaluation through literature review, pilot assay design and setup, control selection and evaluation, execution of assays, initial results review, and contributions to acceptance criteria. The role coordinates resolution of errors and escalates issues when needed, while working with program leadership and the PSRS team to meet work-unit needs and maintain awareness of current methodologies and CLIA guidelines. The position also provides general laboratory support, including inventory and repository management, review of quality documents and logs, laboratory and instrument cleaning and maintenance, and coordination of instrument contracts and preventive maintenance. It operates, calibrates, and maintains assay equipment and documents regular evaluations of instrument functionality and testing protocols. The position ensures accurate results entry and reporting and communicates with specimen submitters, epidemiologists, public health partners, and healthcare professionals as needed. This is an onsite, term-limited position at 8100 E Lowry Blvd, Denver, Colorado. Funding is not guaranteed beyond July 31, 2027, and the incumbent must be willing and able to resign by that date or when funds run out, whichever comes first. The position is open only to Colorado residents and is designated critical, requiring availability to report during emergencies, closures, or activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan. Travel varies and may occur up to once per year for two to three nights per trip.

Requirements

Colorado residency at the time of application.
Six years of relevant experience in public health microbiology, serology, molecular sciences, next-generation sequencing, wastewater testing, bioinformatics, or closely related work; alternatively, a combination of related education and relevant experience equal to six years.
A pre-employment background check is required.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; the department does not provide visa sponsorship.
Must be available to report to work immediately during emergencies and activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan, potentially with travel restrictions.
Must be willing and able to resign by July 31, 2027, or when funding runs out, whichever comes first.
Must work onsite at the Denver office.
Ability to perform high-complexity laboratory testing, troubleshoot assays, and work with minimal oversight.
Ability to maintain accurate laboratory, QA/QC, instrument, inventory, and specimen repository documentation.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience performing NGS workflows for pathogen detection, identification, characterization, or genomic surveillance, including library preparation and sequencing instrumentation.
Experience applying molecular or genomic methods to infectious disease surveillance, including sequencing bacterial isolates or viral specimens for characterization, epidemiological investigations, or public health surveillance.
Hands-on experience with nucleic acid extraction and purification and PCR/qPCR testing for infectious disease detection or characterization.
Experience developing, optimizing, verifying, or validating molecular or sequencing testing methods, including experimental design, pilot testing, control evaluation, and assay performance assessment.
Experience documenting or evaluating method performance against acceptance criteria, investigating QC failures, and documenting troubleshooting or corrective actions.
Experience in a public health, clinical, or environmental laboratory operating under quality systems, with accurate traceable QA/QC records and controlled SOPs.
Experience developing, revising, or maintaining SOPs, technical protocols, validation or verification plans, or technical reports for molecular testing or sequencing workflows.
Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting molecular testing or sequencing instruments and documenting maintenance and performance.
Experience reviewing scientific literature, manufacturer documentation, or established protocols to inform method evaluation, assay optimization, troubleshooting, or implementation.
Ability to prioritize complex testing, assess specimen suitability and result acceptability, solve technical problems with limited oversight, and communicate or escalate unresolved issues.
Experience maintaining laboratory inventories, reagent and consumable supplies, equipment maintenance records, and specimen storage or repository records.

Responsibilities

Conduct high-complexity testing and analysis of clinical specimens to detect, identify, and type microorganisms of public health importance.
Perform molecular, microbiological, NGS-based, and serological testing using established methods and complex testing algorithms.
Handle and process specimens according to established procedures and generate and report results within required turnaround times.
Troubleshoot assays and contribute to assay validation, verification, and optimization with minimal oversight.
Support assay evaluation through literature reviews, pilot design and setup, control selection and evaluation, assay execution, initial results review, and contributions to acceptance criteria.
Coordinate resolution of errors, challenges, and failures, escalating issues to leadership as appropriate.
Maintain awareness of current or advancing methodologies and follow, document, update, and communicate CLIA guidelines.
Maintain laboratory logistics, including supply inventory, freezer repositories, quality documents and logs, laboratory cleaning, and instrument maintenance.
Work with the supervisor to schedule and maintain instrument contracts and preventive maintenance and upload associated records.
Operate, calibrate, and maintain equipment used for qualitative and quantitative assays and analyses.
Regularly evaluate and document instrument functionality and verification and validation of protocols performed on instruments.
Complete quality assurance and quality control requirements, including required testing, documentation, and delegated QA/QC records.
Accurately enter and report results and, when appropriate, deliver results to public health and healthcare professionals.
Respond to specimen submitters and epidemiologists to resolve submission questions and communicate results to CDPHE partners.
Remain available to report to the regular or alternate worksite during emergencies, delayed starts, early releases, closures, or COOP activation.

Benefits

Medical and dental plans
Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit or defined contribution plans
Optional 401(K) and 457 retirement plans
Employer-paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Potential flexible working arrangements
11 paid holidays per year and generous paid time off
Free parking and access to RTD bus lines
Tuition assistance
Employee wellness programs
Professional development opportunities
Career opportunities throughout Colorado state government
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program