Public Health Laboratory Scientist 1-3

State of Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Louisiana Department of Health’s mission is to protect and promote health and ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for Louisiana residents. The Louisiana Office of Public Health Laboratory seeks a Public Health Laboratory Scientist to conduct environmental testing and analysis, including specialized drinking water and environmental chemistry testing, using laboratory instrumentation. The role supports statewide public health initiatives and involves daily interaction with laboratory staff, program staff, regulatory agencies, and public health partners. Preference is given to applicants with previous experience in an EPA-regulated laboratory.

The position may be filled at the Public Health Laboratory Scientist 1, 2, or 3 level based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, and offers the opportunity to advance within the job series. It is located at the Office of Public Health Central Laboratory in East Baton Rouge Parish and may be filled as a probationary or promotional appointment.

Applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check and/or security clearance, including requirements associated with the Federal Select Agent Program and Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners licensing. For positions involving human specimens or laboratory results used in human diagnosis or treatment, the incumbent must hold a current Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Generalist or Specialist. A temporary license meets this requirement only for its authorized period, and the permanent-license requirements must be satisfied before it expires.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological, environmental, or chemical science.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and/or security clearance, including applicable Federal Select Agent Program and Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners requirements.
• For clinical testing positions involving human specimens or results used in human diagnosis or treatment, a current Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Generalist (CLS-G) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist Specialist (CLS-S) is required. A temporary license satisfies this requirement only for its authorized period, and permanent-license requirements must be met before it expires.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in an EPA-regulated laboratory is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform organic, inorganic, and trace metals analyses on environmental samples according to established laboratory procedures and quality standards.
• Conduct drinking water testing using EPA-approved methods to support compliance with Safe Drinking Water regulations.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), as applicable.
• Prepare, analyze, and document environmental samples while ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of laboratory results.
• Maintain compliance with EPA regulations, laboratory quality assurance protocols, and applicable accreditation requirements.
• Collaborate with Office of Public Health Laboratory staff, program personnel, and regulatory agencies to support environmental public health initiatives.
• Maintain laboratory records, prepare technical reports, and participate in quality improvement activities to support efficient laboratory operations.

What This Job Offers

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