NBS Laboratory Technologist

• Performs analytical testing to identify newborns at risk for Phenylketonuria, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Hemoglobinopathies, Galactosemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Biotinidase Deficiency, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Amino Acidemias, Organic Acidemias, Fatty Acid Oxidation disorders, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Pompe disease, Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I, X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy, Congenital Cytomegalovirus, Guanidinoacetate Methyltransferase Deficiency, and other conditions determined by the Colorado Board of Health. The goal of this testing is to prevent or reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases.
• Adheres to all laboratory SOPs and safety requirements. They are proficient and demonstrate documentable competency in the performance of analytical functions for every clinical method in CONBSP, and participate in the lab’s proficiency testing and reporting.
• Performs testing of samples on their assigned bench daily, and maintains all paperwork and QA/QC logs associated with the bench.
• Expected to maintain competencies for the entire range of assignable duties, while participating in a bench rotation cycle that is expected to involve extended gaps between assignments for benches.

• Operates, calibrates, and maintains equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis of specimens. They verify equipment functionality and document maintenance performed. They work with supervisors to report any issues and contact vendors when equipment needs preventative maintenance or repair.
• Contributes to maintaining inventory of testing reagents and materials for both their specific bench assignment, as well as the overall NBS program.
• Follows safety protocols and SOPs for setting up, cleaning, decontaminating, and maintaining laboratory equipment and work surfaces.
• Completes other general lab support as assigned by program supervisors.

• Receives all incoming newborn screening (NBS) samples and adheres to established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for performing quality checks and handling, with limited supervision. Specimens are sorted by type (first, second, or supplemental screen) and checked for demographic completion and sample suitability for testing. Completes routine data entry and traceability tasks, including date stamping and labeling of received samples.
• Refers possible unsatisfactory specimens to a program scientist or supervisor for further review, if needed.
• Operates sub-sample distribution instrumentation (punching stations) according to SOP for production plate preparation.
• Expected to acquire and maintain an understanding of the NBS laboratory information management system

Residency Requirement:

Class Code & Classification Description: 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

One of the following requirements: 

• Earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree* in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; or

• Earned an associate degree* in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution; or

• Have education and training equivalent to :
  • At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that , at a minimum includes either - 
    • Twenty-four (24) semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
    • Twenty-four (24) semester hours of science courses that include -
      • Six (6) semester hours of chemistry;
      • Six (6) semester hours of biology; and
      • Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination; and 
  • Have laboratory training that includes:
    • Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES or the CAAHEP; or
    • At least 3 months documented laboratory training in each speciality in which the individual performs high complexity testing; or
• Successful completion of an official U.S. military medical laboratory procedures training course of at least 50 weeks duration and having held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician); or
• An individual that was qualified and serving as a high complexity testing personnel in a CLIA-certified laboratory as of December 28, 2024, and have done so continuously since December 28, 2024; or
• Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State of Colorado.
  

The preferred experience, competencies and abilities are highly desirable for this position and will be considered in selecting the successful candidate:

• Bachelor's degree
• Experience performing analytical testing on clinical samples
• Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures and instrumentation
• Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and control practices
• Familiarity with newborn screening
• Equipment maintenance skills (performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of
• maintenance is needed)
• Operation monitoring skills (watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly)
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with a wide range of customers
• Knowledge of spreadsheet, database and word processing applications
• Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent planning and organizing skills
• Excellent analytical skill
• Operates analytical and top loading balances.
• Operates and calibrates analytical gravimetric instrumentation and equipment utilizing current method, instrument or
• equipment standard operating procedures.
• Conducts instrument and equipment routine calibration and maintenance following the standard operating procedures.
• Ensures laboratory is properly cleaned and staged for analyses before after the procedures.
• Maintains required documentation related to sample weighing batches and completes final reporting.

• Pursuant to CDPHE policy, a background check is required for all positions at CDPHE.
• You must currently reside and be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position, as CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
• Shift Work Required: Weekend Shift and Holiday
• Critical Status: Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• Critical Status: Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• Critical Status: Must be available Expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start, early release, or closure situations.
• Special Qualification: CLIA regulation educational requirement. 
• Special Conditions of Employment: Color Vision - Staff must be able to distinguish between colors for a colorimetric assay review.

Appeal Rights:

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.

A complete application packet must include:

1. A completed State of Colorado application.
2. If using education to qualify, a copy of your college/university transcripts. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
3. If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process:

1. All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
2. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

• Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

1. A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

E-Verify: CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

ADAAA Accommodations:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Daniel Mckenna at daniel.mckenna@state.co.us or call 303-692-6319.
 
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first- ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.