Molecular Virology Technologist I

State of North Carolina

2d • $56,094 - $84,140 • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Technologist I serves in the Molecular Virology laboratory performing specialized diagnostic and surveillance testing for viral pathogens. This position utilizes real-time PCR and advanced molecular detection techniques to support disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in compliance with CLIA regulations and quality assurance standards. Work includes handling clinical and surveillance specimens, operating complex instrumentation, and maintaining accurate data within the Laboratory Information Management System. The role also participates in quality control, verification, and validation studies to ensure accuracy and reliability of testing. Duties may extend to emergency response support during public health events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, chemistry, or a biological science from an appropriately accredited institution OR Associate degree in medical technology from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in a medical laboratory OR Completion of a Certified Laboratory Assistant course in medical technology or a comparable course and three years of experience in a medical laboratory OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Employees in this position must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA ’88 personnel requirements of Testing Personnel in a laboratory performing high complexity testing.
• Applicants must attach copies of their transcript(s) and/or certification(s) to be considered for the position
• An occupational medical assessment will be required to determine your ability to safely work with biological, chemical, or radiological hazards.
• This position may also require periodic medical screenings to confirm safety practices are effectively preventing occupational injury or illness.
• Works frequently with infectious disease agents that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as a respirator
• Uses laboratory equipment requiring ability to manipulate items with fingers, ability to grasp, and ability to feel/perceive the attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture.

Nice To Haves

• Documented experience performing real-time PCR workflows—including nucleic acid extraction, assay setup, amplification, and result interpretation—for respiratory and vaccine-preventable viruses, with consistent compliance to CLIA standards and QA protocols.
• Proven experience managing test data within Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), ensuring complete and accurate reconciliation of specimen accessioning, metadata, and final reports with zero audit discrepancies.
• Hands-on experience executing quality control procedures and preventive maintenance on molecular diagnostic platforms, maintaining instrument uptime at or above 98% and producing inspection-ready documentation.
• Demonstrated experience working in BSL2 and BSL2+/BSL3 laboratory environments, including respirator use, decontamination processes, and DOT-compliant specimen packaging and shipping without safety violations.
• Experience troubleshooting molecular assays and instrumentation issues, resolving run failures, completing proficiency testing, and training new staff on validated laboratory processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic testing on clinical and surveillance specimens for respiratory, vaccine-preventable, sexually transmitted, and zoonotic viral pathogens, including high-consequence agents.
• Conduct molecular characterization of pathogens, such as influenza, to support epidemiologic investigations and surveillance programs.
• Operate and maintain a wide range of laboratory instrumentation for molecular assays in compliance with SOPs and QA policies.
• Enter and manage test data accurately within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Prepare, package, and ship specimens for referral testing in accordance with DOT regulations.
• Perform and document daily quality control checks, instrument maintenance, and competency assessments to meet regulatory standards.
• Troubleshoot assay and equipment issues, escalating concerns to lead technologist or supervisor as needed.
• Cross-train in other virology sections to ensure operational redundancy and continuity of testing services.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and inventory of supplies, reagents, and equipment according to established protocols.
• Provide laboratory support during public health emergencies, which may include working weekends or holidays as directed by management.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.
• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.
• Visit the website for State Benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees