Clinical Lab Scientist (09747, 09751)

State of Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Job summary

State of Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services in Helena is seeking a Clinical Lab Scientist to perform infectious agent testing across serology, bacteriology, mycology/parasitology, mycobacteriology, molecular methods, and newborn screening.

You will provide technical consultation on test methodologies, specimen handling, and interpretation of results, contributing to disease detection, surveillance, and public health protection for Montanans.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of clinical laboratory processes and practices.
• Analytical and critical thinking with acute attention to detail.
• Ability to decide validity of data and interpret test results.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs testing for infectious agents across multiple areas including serology, bacteriology, mycology/parasitology, mycobacteriology, molecular methods and newborn screening.
• Provides technical consultation to public health and clinical partners on test methodologies and specimen handling.
• Interprets results and communicates findings to appropriate stakeholders.
• Maintains compliance with CLIA high-complexity standards and quality control procedures.

Skills

Clinical laboratory processes

Analytical thinking

Data interpretation

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in clinical lab science

Montana CLS license eligibility

MT (ASCP) or other registry

Job description

Job Description - Clinical Lab Scientist (09747, 09751) (26142625)

Position Title: Clinical Lab Scientist (09747, 09751) - ( 26142625 )

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Public Health and Safety Division in Helena.

This Clinical Laboratory Scientist position performs testing for infectious agents to support work of the Montana Public Health Laboratory. Testing areas include serology, bacteriology, mycology/parasitology, mycobacteriology, molecular and next-generation sequencing. In addition, newborn screening testing is performed to detect metabolic abnormalities in infants. The laboratory is focused on disease detection, surveillance, and prevention for the State of Montana. This position also provides technical consultation to the public health and clinical partners regarding test methodologies, proper collection, and handling of specimens, as well as accurate interpretation and correlation of test results.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

• Knowledge of clinical laboratory processes and practices.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills, including acute attention to detail.
• Ability to decide validity of data and interpret test results.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in clinical lab science or comparable science discipline.
• One year of experience in a CLIA approved clinical laboratory certified for performing high complexity testing.
• Current Montana State CLS License or eligibility to obtain a license.
• MT (ASCP) or other nationally recognized registry.

DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended.

Salary

$32.18 - 32.18 Hourly Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1

Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena Agency : Department of Public Health & Human Services Union : Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

Oct 16, 2026, 9:54:45 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Nov 17, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter, Resume, References

Applicant Pool Statement

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Additional Information

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.