Laboratory Scientist/Senior Laboratory Scientist (4902021)

State-of-Missour; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Paid leave

Health insurance

Job summary

Missouri State Public Health Laboratory is seeking skilled scientists to join our mission of protecting public health in Jefferson City. You will perform high‑complexity diagnostic testing, operate advanced instrumentation, and ensure data quality in a state‑of‑the‑art facility.

The role offers growth opportunities, including senior mentorship and cross‑functional collaboration to meet CLIA, ISO 17025, and CAP standards. Base pay is noted with potential pay differentials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field with substitutions may be allowed.
• Experience: 0–1 year for Laboratory Scientist; 2–5 years for Senior Laboratory Scientist.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-complexity diagnostic testing on clinical and environmental samples.
• Operate and calibrate laboratory instrumentation and maintain equipment.
• Review raw data in LIMS and ensure accuracy before reporting.
• Document quality control checks and monitor environmental conditions.
• Assist with validation of new testing platforms and LDTs.
• Provide peer training, mentorship, and coordinate daily workflows.
• Advise external partners on specimen collection and test interpretation.

Skills

High-complexity testing

Instrument calibration

LIMS data review

Quality compliance

Mentorship

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

LIMS

Calibration equipment

Job description

Job Location: This position will be located at 101 N. Chestnut St. Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Why you’ll love this position:

The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory is seeking motivated scientists to join our mission of protecting public health. Whether you are an aspiring professional looking to build a foundation in high-complexity testing or an experienced specialist ready to lead method validations, this role offers a clear path for technical growth. The selected candidate will be placed in the appropriate classification depending on their skills and experience. You will work in a state-of-the-art facility, mastering advanced instrumentation and identifying high-consequence pathogens that directly impact statewide health. If you are a detail-oriented problem solver who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and values the highest standards of scientific integrity, you will find a rewarding career here where your work truly saves lives.

The salary indicated represents a base pay rate. If the individual selected or the position is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., shift, security, or years of service), it will be added to the total compensation in your paycheck. A pay differential does not raise your base pay.

What you'll do:

• Perform Specialized Testing: Conduct high-complexity diagnostic testing on clinical and environmental samples, including high-consequence pathogens.
• Maintain Advanced Equipment: Operate and calibrate sophisticated laboratory instrumentation, performing routine maintenance and identifying technical malfunctions to ensure reliable results.
• Validate Scientific Data: Review raw data and results within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to ensure accuracy and compliance before reports are released to our partners.
• Support Quality Excellence: Document daily quality control checks and monitor environmental conditions to meet stringent CLIA, ISO 17025, and CAP regulatory standards.
• Assist with Method Innovation: Participate in the validation of new testing platforms and laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) to keep Missouri at the forefront of diagnostic technology.
• Collaborate and Train: Engage in peer‑to‑peer training and, at the senior level, provide technical mentorship, perform competency assessments, and coordinate daily team workflows.
• Consult and Engage: Provide guidance to external partners on specimen collection and test interpretation, with opportunities to participate in professional working groups or federal grant projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Laboratory Scientist: Bachelor’s degree and 0-1 year of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)
• Senior Laboratory Scientist: Bachelor’s degree and 2-5 years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Lack of post‑secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

Alexis Kendall - [e-mail]