Laboratory Flexible Funding Grant Technologist - 61053173

State-of-South-Carolina; South Carolina; Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave 15 days

Sick leave 15 days

13 paid holidays

Health, dental, vision, long-term/dis?

Deferred compensation program

SCRS retirement

State ORP

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Public Health seeks a laboratory professional to support the Food Microbiology Laboratory under the LFFM Grant. You will help develop and improve the ISO manual, maintain reagent inventories, and ensure documentation meets ISO 17025 standards.

The role includes performing complex testing of surveillance samples for human food and animal feed, and reporting results to the FDA as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related medical or scientific discipline; or an associate degree or equivalent training and journey-level experience.
• Equivalent education/experience considered with approval by DPH HR.
• Official transcript or diploma required prior to hiring.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve the laboratory ISO manual, ensuring ISO 17025 compliance.
• Maintain reagent inventories and accurate documentation per standards.
• Test surveillance samples for human food, animal feed, and outbreak scenarios.
• Perform NARMS retail meat/seafood testing as needed and report results to FDA.

Job description

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Under the general supervision of the Food Microbiology Supervisor in the Microbiology Section, performs and leads activities for Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM) Grant in the Food Microbiology Laboratory.

• Under the general supervision of the Food Microbiology Supervisor, participates in the development and continuous process improvement of the laboratory ISO manual and monitors processes and procedures to ensure the successful compliance of ISO 17025. This includes maintaining up to date reagent inventories, and accurate and complete documentation in accordance with the ISO standards.


• Responsible for performing testing of surveillance samples for human food, animal feed, and in foodborne outbreak situations and environmental sampling as part of the South Carolina Rapid Response Team (RRT). Testing includes high complexity molecular testing and standard cultural methods.


• Performs testing of NARMS retail meat and seafood samples, as needed.


• Reports testing results and sends information to the FDA to fulfill reporting requirements for the LFFM Grant.


• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned, including required travel if requested, and responds as directed during emergencies which may occur outside normal work hours, and travel if requested.

State Minimum Requirements:

A bachelor's degree in a related medical or scientific discipline; or an associate degree or equivalent training in a related medical, scientific or technical discipline and journey-level work experience in a related field.

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

An applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform highly complex laboratory tests on food specimens. Must express knowledge and understanding of fundamental ISO concepts and working guidelines.

EEO:

The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN:

In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD:

If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10‑year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Temporary Grant positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year


• 15 days Sick Leave per year


• 13 Paid Holidays


• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.


• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)


• Retirement benefit choices *
  
  
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  
  
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)
  
  

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK:

The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.