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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 Parish

Join the Louisiana Office of Public Health Laboratory as part of the Newborn Screening team and play a critical role in protecting the health of newborns across the state. In this highly specialized position, you will perform advanced laboratory testing using cutting-edge techniques such as mass spectrometry, PCR, and chromatography to help detect genetic and metabolic disorders at birth. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise in a mission-driven environment where your work directly supports early diagnosis and life-changing outcomes for infants and families.

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:

  • Perform complex analytical laboratory testing in the Newborn Screening Laboratory using advanced methodologies and instrumentation.
  • Conduct testing procedures including mass spectrometry, time resolved fluorescence, high performance liquid chromatography, isoelectric focusing, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and mutational analysis.
  • Analyze and interpret laboratory results to support the detection of genetic and metabolic disorders in newborns.
  • Ensure accuracy and reliability of test results by following established laboratory protocols, quality control standards, and regulatory guidelines.
  • Prepare, handle, and process biological specimens in accordance with laboratory safety and testing procedures.
  • Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Document and report test results in laboratory information systems and maintain detailed records of analyses performed.
  • Collaborate with laboratory staff and the Louisiana Genetics Disease Program to support timely diagnosis and follow-up care.
  • Adhere to all safety, compliance, and confidentiality requirements in handling sensitive patient information and laboratory data.

Position-Specific Details:
Location: Office of Public Health / Central Laboratory/ East Baton Rouge Parish

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

Cost Center: 03262107412

Position Number(s): 83336

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:

Shambrielle Pooler

Shambrielle.Pooler@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
03/19/2026
Job Reference
OPH/SP/219012
Organization
LDH-Office of Public Health
Location
Baton Rouge, LA
Category
Laboratory
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