Our Ability Jobs

Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 3

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID : 77962

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all bidders of MDH and all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be accepted through 06/09/2024.

• Date Posted : 07/03/2024

• Closing Date : 07/12/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Health Department / Health-MAPE

• Division/Unit : Public Health Laboratory / PHL IDL Micro Staff

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $30.80 - $45.47 / hourly; $64,310 - $94,941 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Join the mission-driven team at the Public Health Laboratory (PHL) and promote and protect the health of all Minnesotans.

This Laboratory Scientist 3 will provide lead work in the Microbiology Unit through testing clinical specimens and conducting and guiding technical and quality management activities, providing capacity and general support to the Microbiology Unit and consultation to outside partners and collaborators. This position executes more complex laboratory testing in the specialties of microbiology (including mycobacteriology) and mycology, with an emphasis on bacterial identification, antimicrobial resistance such as phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and molecular assessment of resistance markers. This position will also be responsible for assessing, validating, implementing, and prioritizing new technologies for the Microbiology Unit.

All positions within the MDH Public Health Lab will work to cultivate an inclusive work environment for all, with respect to diversity and equity.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• Three years of diagnostic testing experience in a public health, hospital-based, or clinic-based laboratory with emphasis in clinical microbiology testing.

Minimum Qualifications to be assessed during interview:

• Experience processing and testing specimens for infectious diseases.

• Knowledge of principles in the specialized field of microbiology.

• Experience validating and verifying new assays.

• Ability to provide instruction and assistance to other laboratory staff.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• The chosen candidate must have successfully completed a minimum of five semester/seven quarter college credits in microbiology, immunology, or related subjects. Applicants must provide evidence of course completion prior to employment.

Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, Biology, or a related Laboratory Science may substitute for one year of experience; A Masters for 18 months; A PhD for two years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, Biology, or a related Laboratory Science.

• Clinical laboratory experience in clinical microbiology or bacteriology (including mycobacteriology, parasitology, mycology, etc.) with the ability to perform complex specialized tasks including examination of specimens using classic microbiology techniques to isolate and identify pathogenic organisms, and to perform a variety of antimicrobial susceptibility testing techniques.

• Experience with molecular biology methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and whole genome sequencing.

• Knowledge of and experience with MALDI-TOF instrument for identification of bacteria and yeast.

• Experience working in a BSL-3 laboratory.

• Familiarity with and ability to use computers, microscopes, incubators, biological safety cabinets, and molecular detection equipment.

• Knowledge of CLIA rules and regulations.

• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), or equivalent (e.g. Medical Technologist).

• Skills to provide training for other laboratory employees, students, or other trainees.

• Ability to prepare comprehensive work reports and interpret test results.

Physical Requirements

This position my require occasional transport of packages weighing up to 20 pounds.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check.

The chosen candidate must have successfully completed a minimum of five semester/seven quarter college credits in microbiology, immunology, or related subjects. Applicants must provide evidence of course completion prior to employment.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.