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Public Health Laboratory Scientist 1-3


The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.


Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health


This position may be filled in the following parishes: East Baton Rouge

Join the front lines of public health science in Baton Rouge! In this dynamic role with the Infectious Disease and Emerging Pathogens team at the Louisiana Office of Public Health Laboratory, you’ll perform advanced analytical testing that helps detect and track pathogens of public health concern across the state. Using cutting-edge methods like real-time PCR, next generation sequencing, time-resolved fluorescence, and conventional bacteriology, you’ll support outbreak investigations and emergency response efforts alongside Louisiana’s infectious disease experts. If you’re driven by science that protects communities, this is your chance to make a real impact.

Applicants for this position must possess or be eligible to obtain a Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) clinical laboratory scientist license, which requires national certification by ASCP, AMT or AAB. Please see the LSBME website for details. 

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in a biological, environmental, or chemical science.

SPECIAL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check and/or security clearance, including but not limited to those required for the Federal Select Agent Program and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners license requirements.

CLINICAL TESTING POSITIONS:
For positions which involve processing and analysis of human specimens and/or the generation or interpretation of laboratory results that may be used in the diagnosis or treatment of a disease or condition in humans, the incumbent must have a current license to practice as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Generalist (CLS-G) or a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Specialist (CLS-S) issued by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME).

A temporary license to practice as a CLS-G or a CLS-S issued by the LSBME shall fulfill this requirement only for the limited time granted by the LSBME. The incumbent is required to satisfy the requirements for a CLS-G or CLS-S permanent license prior to the expiration of the temporary license.

Qualifications

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.Job Duties:

  • Performs moderate and high complexity chemical, physical, and biological analyses to detect and quantify substances and organisms of public health significance
  • Analyzes human, animal, environmental, food, and dairy specimens for detection, identification, and sequencing of RNA and DNA
  • Receives and logs specimens, ensuring accurate identification, data entry, and strict chain-of-custody procedures
  • Prepares specimens for testing through processes such as centrifugation, aliquoting, extraction, purification, and fractionation
  • Independently conducts manual and instrument-based assays, including reagent preparation and application of analytical principles
  • Utilizes laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and related software to track specimens, generate reports, and support data analysis
  • Performs quality control, calibration, and preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment while monitoring QA/QC data and reporting issues

Position-Specific Details:

Location: Office of Public Health / Central Laboratory / East Baton Rouge Parish

Appointment Type: This position may be filled as a Probationary or a Promotional appointment

Cost Center: 3262107413

Position Number(s): 112406

Career Progression:  This position may be filled as a Public Health Laboratory Scientist 1, 2, or 3 determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected. This position provides the opportunity to advance within this job series.


How To Apply:

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.


To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. 


* Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.


Contact Information:

Paul Tran

Paul.Tran3@la.gov

LA Department of Health (LDH)

Division of Human Resources

PO Box 4818

Baton Rouge, LA 70821

225-342-6477


This organization participates in E-verify, and for more information on E-verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218. 


LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. 


Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available here.


LDH is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit a highly productive and diverse workforce and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.

Date Posted
03/02/2026
Job Reference
OPH/PTT/217974
Organization
LDH-Office of Public Health
Location
Baton Rouge, LA
Category
Laboratory
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