Public Health Lab Scientist-in-Training

The Department for Public Health, Division of Laboratory Services, Molecular, and Clinical Chemistry Branch is dedicated to improving the health and safety of Kentucky newborns through prevention, promotion, and protection. This Laboratory Scientist-In-Training position allows the individual to learn to perform critical, life-saving testing of inborn errors of metabolism. The Branch works with birthing facilities across the state to ensure mandated testing services are provided to all Kentucky-born newborns. The Division strives to allow individuals to enhance their laboratory skills through advanced training in state-of-the-art technologies and provides opportunities for advancement through the laboratory career ladder. The Molecular & Bio-Medical Engineering Section of the Molecular and Clinical Chemistry Branch is responsible for providing testing for the approximately 50,000 babies born in Kentucky each year. This testing allows for treatment to begin as soon as possible in the affected infants' lives, thereby eliminating or reducing the devastating effects of the screened disorders, which could include permanent physical and mental disability or death. The Division is seeking a Laboratory Scientist-In-Training who will learn to perform tandem mass spectrometry analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, and DNA mutation analysis for the KY Newborn Screening Program. This individual will work with our state partners, such as the Division of Maternal and Child Health, and our federal partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The candidate for this position needs to be a fast learner, enthusiastic, motivated to do an excellent job, have a desire to improve systems, and keep the team informed of issues. The successful candidate needs to be professional, polite, attentive to details, and understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).