Newborn Screening Scientist

The Work Unit: 

What You Will Do: 

Key Responsibilities:

• This position conducts research into methods for current and new testing. It develops plans to validate these methods. The methodology is based on a combination of Laboratory SOP’s, research of current scientific literature, studies, and research papers, and formal education or experience in a testing laboratory for testing methodology of human specimens. The position collaborates with the NBS Program Manager, NBS Scientist Supervisor, QA Specialist and the Bench Scientist to share findings and discuss appropriateness of findings for implementation in the NBS Program to improve reliability and consistency of testing methods.
• The position also works with the NBS Program Manager, Scientist Supervisor, and Bench Scientist to optimize interpretative logic in the NBS LIMS. The position is expected to be aware of which analytes and/or conditions require covariates for correct interpretation. The position evaluates cut-off values on an ongoing basis to ensure that testing is correctly identifying and categorizing disorders screened by the NBS program

• Perform high-complexity clinical testing in compliance with CLIA to identify newborns at risk.
• Perform daily testing using current instruments for conditions determined by the Colorado Board of Health; to thus prevent or reduce the morbidity associated with these disorders.
• Perform sample review and preparation for testing on instruments.

• The position provides implementation of software support to the NBS Program. Examples of such support include LIMS subject matter expert training and updates. The position trains with the vendor to provide LIMS support and training to NBS staff at a high level as a LIMS core team member.
• 6 Revised 3/11/2025
• The position engages with NBS LIMS administrator, vital records and the LIMS vendor to ensure the NBS program LIMS is up to date and operational for new disorders and cutoff updates.

Residency Requirement:

Class Code & Classification Description:

I3B2T* Physical Science Researcher/Scientist I

NOTE: An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

Five (5) years of relevant experience in a laboratory setting performing biological, microbiological, biochemical or molecular science testing with an emphasis on directing or designing quality assurance (QA) protocols and safety procedures.

A combination of related education biological and/or physical science (e.g., microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry or genetics and/or relevant experience in a laboratory setting performing biological, microbiological, biochemical or molecular science testing with an emphasis on directing or designing quality assurance (QA) protocols and safety procedures equal to five (5) years.

**This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.**

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:  

• An advanced degree in biological and/or physical science (e.g., microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, or genetics)

• Ability to collaborate and achieve consensus across work units and programs

• In-depth knowledge of laboratory regulatory requirements (e.g., CLIA, EPA, FDA, ISO)

• In-depth knowledge of biosafety recommendations and experience working at BSL-3

• In-depth knowledge of chemical safety recommendations

• Excellent management and supervisory skills

• Ability to strategize, organize and plan, including creating and updating training plans

• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with a wide range of customers

• Knowledge of and use of desktop computer hardware and software

• Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills

• Ability to interpret regulations and statutes

• Ability to interpret and analyze data

• Keen attention to detail

• Ability to self-motivate

• Ability to work well independently as well as in/with a team

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

• Critical Status: This is a critical position and can be expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start, early release, or closure situations.

• 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.

Appeal Rights:

A complete application packet must include:

• Completed State of Colorado application.

• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. The 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 at cdphe_benefits@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.