MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST III - 64085131

State of Florida • Town "n" Country, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an independent professional position with the incumbent serving as the State funded Bioterrorism Coordinator working out of the Tampa Laboratory. The incumbent works closely with the CDC funded Bioterrorism Coordinator to use standard Laboratory Response Network (LRN) protocols to detect a variety of biologic agents that have the potential for use as biological agents by terrorists. The incumbent also performs laboratory testing in other areas of the Tampa Laboratory as directed. All work is performed under very general supervision and with the use of considerable independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of terminology, principles and techniques used in analysis and testing.
• Knowledge of procedures, techniques & equipment used in lab testing and analysis.
• Skill in the use of lab equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• To meet the requirements of the Suitability Assessment Program, the following is required: prior to being offered a position the candidate’s home address history, work history, education history, resume, professional licenses history, visa status (if applicable) and professional references will be verified; and the individual will apply for Department of Justice (DOJ) clearance and Select Agent Program registration within the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Public Health Laboratories via the FD961 after being hired; however, continued employment in this position is contingent on successful Department of Justice clearance.

Nice To Haves

• State of Florida Clinical Laboratory License as a Laboratory Technician (Microbiology or Public Health Microbiology), Chapter 483 F.S and Rule 6483 F.A.C.
• State of Florida Clinical Laboratory License as a Laboratory Technologist or higher (Microbiology or Public Health Microbiology).
• Bachelor degree or higher in a Chemical or Biological science.

Responsibilities

• Performs testing to identify biological threat agents such as Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, Brucella species, Burkholderia species, Coxiella burnetii, Ricin and rule out of smallpox virus.
• Coordinates with the CDC funded Bioterrorism Coordinator to conduct studies to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic assays developed to detect the above-mentioned biologic threat agents.
• Participates in periodic planning and coordination by meeting with CDC and other agencies.
• Participates in the assessment of laboratory capacities throughout the State of Florida.
• Performs conventional and molecular testing in other areas of the laboratory as directed, including but not limited to Clinical Microbiology,
• Coordinates with the CDC funded Bioterrorism Coordinator to manage and maintain a system for specimen transport, triage, testing and referral.
• Assists in the LRN Sentinel Laboratory Trainers with Sentinel Laboratory training classes directed to laboratory personnel who work in commercial laboratories.
• Plans, designs, develops, and integrates new technologies and advanced methods for rapid diagnosis of the priority threat biologic agents.
• Implements quality assurance standards that assure proper chain of custody, adequate security, transport and storage of specimens, secure and effective communication of laboratory results, and acceptable performance in an external proficiency testing program.
• This includes the development and planning of field exercises to assess the readiness of the laboratory and the emergency responders.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits.
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year.
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Tuition waivers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level