MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST III - 64068584

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Florida Department of Health – Open Competitive Opportunity

Bureau of Public Health Laboratories

Tampa Laboratory

Salary Range: $1,598.52 - $1,838.29 Biweekly

 *This position’s duties are performed in a public health laboratory and as such include surveillance and diagnostic testing with little or no assay development or research conducted.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is an independent, professional scientist position assigned to the Virology Unit of the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories (BPHL) in Tampa.  This position reports directly to the Virology Molecular and Cell Culture Supervisor.  The incumbent serves as the BPHL Tampa primary virology sequencing scientist.  Duties are performed under general supervision and involve considerable responsibility and authority. Duties are related to the examination of specimens for the detection of viral disease agents.

Coordinates sequencing-specific workloads, workflows, deadlines, and work objectives with co-workers in consultation with the Supervisor:

1. Makes decisions on appropriate technical procedures to be implemented in consultation with the Supervisor.
2. Maintains inventory of sequencing-related supplies and reagents in coordination with the Supervisor.
3. Assists in preparing, reporting on, and in meeting deliverables from funding requirements or as assigned by the Supervisor.

Performs quality assurance, quality control, and proficiency testing for assigned areas of the Virology Unit in accordance with CLIA requirements. Assists with the development, verification, and validation of standard operating procedures in accordance with CLIA requirements. Assists in establishing and periodically evaluating safety measures in accordance with internal and external regulations.

Participates in: 

1. Molecular characterization from a variety of clinical and non-clinical specimens using high complexity assays, primarily using sequencing methods. 
2. Assists Virology staff in specimen accessioning, processing, nucleic acid extraction, molecular detection.
3. Development and validation of new assays in consultation with the Supervisor.
4. Training employees and students in the performance of molecular assays following established standard operating procedures.

Result analysis and preparation of laboratory reports, including reporting test results in the Laboratory Information Management System. Communication with clients and advising on data interpretation in coordination with the Supervisor.

Develops and makes presentations to the public, partners in the DOH, and other agencies. Participates in public health research projects participates in scope and design process, data creation, data maintenance, analysis, report preparation, presentation, and development of manuscripts for publication. 

Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences. 

Ability to conduct biological research, studies or analyses using scientific methods and techniques.

Ability to solve problems and make decisions. 

Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques used in biological research, analysis, or testing of clinical specimens.

Knowledge of procedures, techniques, and equipment used in a laboratory. 

Skill in the use of lab equipment.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.

Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. 

Qualifications:

Minimum – State of Florida Clinical Laboratory License as a Laboratory Technician (Microbiology or Public Health Microbiology), Chapter 483 F.S and Rule 64B3 F.A.C or eligible for license.

Qualify as Testing Personnel (or higher) in a laboratory performing high complexity testing according to United States 42 CFR Part 493.

Preferred – BS/BA/BSN. One year of laboratory experience.

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Tampa, Florida

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits.
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year.
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions

(For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);

• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Tuition waivers.
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.   

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. 

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. 

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. 

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans, and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.    

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.