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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


Join the Louisiana Office of Public Health's Central Laboratory and play a vital role in protecting public health through cutting-edge environmental surveillance. The Louisiana Office of Public Health has a Public Health Laboratory Scientist position available within the OPH Central Laboratory in Baton Rouge, LA. The selected individual will work in the Environmental Wastewater Unit, which is responsible for analysis of municipal wastewater samples as part of community health surveillance as directed by the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program. The incumbent will be responsible for analyzing wastewater samples using PCR.   Preference will be given to applicants with experience in polymerase chain reaction (PCR), wastewater testing, and/or molecular biological methods.    This position requires daily interaction with OPH Laboratory staff, regular interaction with OPH Program staff and regulatory agencies. Limited travel may be required.

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 chemical analysis of drinking water, wastewater, and environmental samples using EPA-approved laboratory methods and instrumentation. 
  • Prepares, processes, and analyzes samples using techniques such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, atomic absorption, and other approved analytical methods. 
  • Maintains sample integrity by receiving, documenting, and tracking specimens, ensuring proper chain of custody and compliance with laboratory acceptance criteria. 
  • Reviews, interprets, and validates analytical data; performs calculations, statistical analyses, and enters accurate results into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). 
  • Conducts quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) activities, including method validation, corrective actions, standard operating procedure reviews, and routine instrument maintenance and troubleshooting. 
  • Collaborates with laboratory staff to support environmental testing initiatives, provide technical guidance, resolve analytical issues, and promote continuous process improvement. 
  • Performs complex laboratory procedures independently while maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory standards.


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: 3262107411

Position Number(s): 50480583

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.


For information on how to check your application status and understand status updates, please click HERE.


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
07/09/2026
Job Reference
OPH/PTT/223196
Organization
LDH-Office of Public Health
Location
Baton Rouge, LA
Category
Laboratory
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