Public Health Laboratory Scientist General Lead

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will function as a Lead Public Health Laboratory Scientist in the Division of Molecular Biology: Molecular Diagnostics/Bioterrorism (BT) Program, leading subordinate Public Health Laboratory Scientist(s), assigning duties, and reviewing their work. Responsibilities include conducting specialized molecular biology–based procedures and assays (i.e., Laboratory Response Network (LRN) assays) under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) and Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) conditions; interpreting and reporting results from clinical, environmental, and animal specimens/samples submitted to the Maryland Department of Health Laboratories Administration for the detection of bacterial and viral infectious agents, including those potentially used in acts of bioterrorism. This position also interprets and reports test results to epidemiologists and submitters and assists the Molecular Diagnostics Supervisor in implementing and sustaining new workflows while supporting and improving existing laboratory processes and quality assurance procedures. This work aligns with the Laboratories Administration's mission to provide high-quality public health laboratory services that promote, protect, and preserve the health and well-being of Maryland residents from communicable and infectious diseases. Testing is conducted in collaboration with federal programs, including the Emerging Infectious Disease Program (EIP), Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Program, Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (PHEPR), and the CDC Federal Homeland Security Grant.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Medical Technology, Pharmacy or Zoology from an accredited college or university.
Three years of experience working in a chemistry laboratory performing analytical tests on environmental, biological or multi-matrix samples; or three years of experience working in a medical or public health laboratory performing diagnostic or public health testing on human specimens.
One (1) year of experience working in a clinical molecular laboratory (involving, but not limited to: molecular testing using either PCR or rt-PCR).

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a BSL-3 laboratory and troubleshooting technical problems
Experience evaluating new laboratory testing procedures, SOPM preparation, and requisition & procurement
Experience with LRN (Laboratory Response Network) and BT (Bioterrorism) workflows
Experience working in a CLIA regulatory laboratory

Responsibilities

Leading subordinate Public Health Laboratory Scientist(s), assigning duties, and reviewing their work.
Conducting specialized molecular biology–based procedures and assays (i.e., Laboratory Response Network (LRN) assays) under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) and Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) conditions.
Interpreting and reporting results from clinical, environmental, and animal specimens/samples for the detection of bacterial and viral infectious agents, including those potentially used in acts of bioterrorism.
Interpreting and reporting test results to epidemiologists and submitters.
Assisting the Molecular Diagnostics Supervisor in implementing and sustaining new workflows.
Supporting and improving existing laboratory processes and quality assurance procedures.