Laboratory Scientist 1 Bacteriology

Ohio Department of Agriculture; Reynoldsburg (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio Department of Agriculture in Reynoldsburg is seeking a laboratory professional to perform routine diagnostic assays, culture, and organism identification in the Animal Disease & Diagnostic Laboratory. You will follow SOPs, maintain culture environments, and assist senior scientists in advanced workflows.

This full-time position emphasizes quality control, data management, and adherence to biosafety standards as you contribute to Ohio’s animal health and food safety programs.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to learn laboratory workflows and procedures.
• Strong attention to accuracy in data entry and reporting.
• Experience handling samples and maintaining biosafety practices.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine diagnostic assay within Animal Disease & Diagnostic Laboratory including processing clinical specimens for bacterial and fungal culture and organism identification using various conventional microbiological techniques and molecular methods
• Maintains proper culture environment to support optimal microbial growth
• Assist veterinary microbiologist in advanced diagnostic workflows
• Establishes definitive organism identification through both traditional testing as well as advanced methodologies
• Disposes of materials in accordance with established decontamination and biosafety procedures
• Conducts quality control procedures as described in laboratory

Skills

Active Learning

Adaptability

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Analyzation

Job description

What You’ll Do

No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio.

What You’ll Do

No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio.

This Position Is Responsible For

• Performs routine diagnostic assay within Animal Disease & Diagnostic Laboratory including processing clinical specimens for bacterial and fungal culture and organism identification using various conventional microbiological techniques and molecular methods
• Maintains proper culture environment to support optimal microbial growth
• Assist veterinary microbiologist in advanced diagnostic workflows
• Establishes definitive organism identification through both traditional testing as well as advanced methodologies
• Disposes of materials in accordance with established decontamination and biosafety procedures
• Conducts quality control procedures as described in laboratory
• Protocols for all assigned tests and prepares reagents & quality-control materials required for testing
• Provides results to appropriate individuals following agency established guidelines
• Monitors equipment to assess performance, diagnose malfunctions
• Performs routine maintenance
• Troubleshoots & repairs equipment as needed & determine when to contact vendor for assistance
• Utilize computer systems (including hardware, software and agency’s LIMS accurate data entry, tracking, management, and reporting of diagnostic data
• Updates and maintains work-related documentation
• Effectively plans & organizes workflow
• Cleans & maintains workspace
• Tracks & orders supplies
• Drafts standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Maintains in-house control samples & reference materials
• Preserves isolates and organisms for long-term storage
• Records quality-control data while preparing corresponding control charts
• Identifies and reports existing or emerging issues or trends based on control‑chart performance to the supervisor
• Assists bacteriologist in developing and/or validation of new diagnostic assays
• Under direction of higher‑level scientists
• Assist in research of new assay development/validation, drafting scientific report and SOPs
• Performs additional related duties across other laboratory sections as assigned

This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.

We Support Diversity And Inclusion

ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.

What’s In It For You

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are free after one year of continuous service.

Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Maternity Benefits

• Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.
• Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include:
• Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.
• Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).
• Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.
• Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.
• Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.
• Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits.
• Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third-party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers.

30 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.

• Or completion of associate degree in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science; 12 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.
• Or completion of undergraduate core coursework in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science.
• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Organization

Agriculture

Agency Contact Name and Information

Ryan Gunter - [e-mail]

Unposting Date

Aug 26, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

Work Location

Bromfield Building

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Licking County-Reynoldsburg

Compensation

$24.88 - $31.47, Based on Qualifications

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours

8AM-5PM, Monday-Friday

Classified Indicator

Classified

Professional Skills

Active Learning, Adaptability, Analyzation, Attention to Detail, Time Management

Agency Overview

Competitive salary: $51,750 - $65,458 Annually

Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio!

The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio's number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation's egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio's farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation.

ODA's beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch.

You'll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.

What We Do

Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio's farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state's top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio's 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!

As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans.