Public Health Scientist

Job Code: 32000109
Salary Grade: NC20
Revision Date: 11/2023

Class Concept

Position is responsible for developing and performing a variety of highly complex and advanced laboratory diagnostic work to identify etiologic causes, disease agents, abnormalities, and other factors associated with human disease and pathogenesis. Position provides professional, diagnostic, and technical direction for laboratory assay method development, implementation, quality assurance, technical training, problem assessment, and routine maintenance of cutting-edge diagnostic techniques in a variety of public health laboratory fields (including bacteriology, virology, serology, parasitology, mycology, mycobacteriology, medical genetics, and environmental health sciences). These diagnostic assays are often considered "laboratory developed tests" (LDTs) that require advanced training in molecular or state-of-the art diagnostics and experience in method development, unlike other assays that are performed using commercially available and/or FDA-cleared kits. Position independently performs and coordinates state ofthe-art analytical procedures used to support clinical diagnosis, environmental assessment, epidemiologic investigation, and other evaluations that are supported by laboratory diagnostic methodologies. Position typically reports to senior-level laboratory leadership. Position may develop policies and procedures for new and existing laboratory diagnostic programs. Work in this class includes training, technical assistance, and consultation regarding laboratory and diagnostic activities. Position serves as a technical expert in assigned area. Position may supervise junior scientists, technologists, and other laboratory scientists.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, protein chemistry, nucleic acid amplification, cell isolation, and medical genomics principles
• Ability to conduct independent, applied research to optimize detection of a variety of analyses using state-of-the art techniques and tools
• Experience with good laboratory practice (GLP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and other regulatory agency requirements, and laboratory quality management systems
• Expertise in interpreting analytical results, assessing quality control measurements, and consultation with program managers, clinicians, public health professionals, and laboratory scientists
• Ability to compile scientific data from analytical results, prepare reports, present reports of findings, studies and research to management, laboratory peers, health care providers, program managers, scientific meetings/seminars/conferences, and other pertinent parties, and conduct root cause analyses
• Thorough knowledge of public health, epidemiology, biostatistics/bioinformatics including the use of statistical software and statistical programming language
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices used in the field of microbiology, pathogenesis of microbial agents, and application of medical science
• Thorough knowledge of computer operating, network, and data communication systems
• Thorough knowledge or expertise in one or more areas of public health program administration, policy, budgetary practices, supervision, and grant writing
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and demonstrated leadership and planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Minimum Education and Experience

Doctoral degree in molecular biology, medical genetics, microbiology, immunology, analytical chemistry, or a related laboratory field from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of clinical laboratory or research experience; or Master's degree in molecular biology, medical genetics, microbiology, immunology, analytical chemistry, or a related laboratory field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of clinical laboratory or research experience; or Bachelor's degree in degree in molecular biology, medical genetics, microbiology, immunology, analytical chemistry, or a related laboratory field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of clinical laboratory or research experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.