PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY SCIENTIST GENERAL III

The Maryland DHMH Laboratories Administration now occupies a new five story laboratory facility incorporating design strategies to achieve the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Design) Silver Rating which is equipped with innovative, and cutting-edge tools - to expand scientific testing capabilities to adapt to emerging threats; to enhance preparedness efforts in response to disease outbreaks and environmental hazards; and to pursue teaching partnerships within the local community.  The Public Health Laboratory property is ideally situated in the heart of the scientific technology park at Johns Hopkins located adjacent to Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Easily accessible by MTA transit system and metro, just minutes away from downtown Baltimore and the Inner Harbor waterfront community.

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DHMH, Laboratories Administration, Baltimore, MD

This position is part of a federally funded program to enhance the biosafety risk assessments in-house and at external clinical sentinel laboratories. This full performance scientist will perform molecular based testing for the detection of infectious pathogens in a biosafety level 3 environment; will work with the QA, Safety & Training Unit to establish a biosafety program for the Laboratories Administration; and will assist with biosafety risk assessments performed at external clinical labs. This position will be part of a preparedness response team providing after hours, and weekend coverage on a rotating schedule. The CDC-Ebola federal grant has specifically designated funding to support biosafety activities to ensure LRN, health department, and external clinical sentinel laboratories are prepared to handle highly infectious specimens, i.e. Ebola. Establishing and refining Biosafety risk assessment procedures and inspections are a critical aspect of the position. This position requires a full performance scientist experienced--performing molecular biology based testing within a biosafety level 3 facility.

Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Medical Technology, Pharmacy or Zoology from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Two years of experience working in a chemistry laboratory performing analytical tests on environmental, biological or multi-matrix samples; or two years of experience working in a medical or public health laboratory performing diagnostic or public health testing on human specimens.

Note:

1. Additional graduate education at an accredited college or university may be substituted at the rate of thirty credit hours in the above noted disciplines for each year of the required experience for up to two years of the required experience.

2.  Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Health Science Research Officer classifications or Medical Laboratory Specialists specialty codes in the Science related field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Must have at least two years experience performing molecular biology based assays (i.e. PCR), if you are not using the educational substitution to meet the minimum qualifications after the selective qualification; courses in molecular biology and biochemistry; and, medical clearance to wear N95/PAPR respirator. Will serve as part of a 24/7 2-person team that rotates weekend and after hours coverage to respond to public health emergencies/outbreaks, and molecular testing for the Laboratory Response Network (LRN).

The successful candidate should have experience handling infectious agents, working in biosafety level two and three laboratories, and performing PCR and other molecular based assays.

Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated.  The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position.  Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work.  For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must accompany the application.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.  We will not consider information submitted after this date.  Applicants certified to list will receive eligibility for a period of one (1) year.  Eligibility may be extended beyond one (1) year period.

Online applications are highly recommended, however the paper application may be submitted to DHMH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201.  The paper application must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.

Incorrect application forms will not be accepted.

If you need to submit additional information, the preferred method is to upload.  If unable to upload, please fax requested information only to 410-333-5689.

Should additional information regarding this recruitment be required, please contact the DHMH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251 or via email at dhmh.jobs@maryland.gov. 

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: (410) 767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

The incumbent in this position is a member of a covered bargaining unit and will be required to pay a bi-weekly service fee to the exclusive representative of the bargaining unit.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.