Laboratory Scientist/Senior Laboratory Scientist (4902021)

State of Missouri; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory is seeking motivated scientists to join our mission of protecting public health. You will work in a state-of-the-art facility, mastering advanced instrumentation and identifying high-consequence pathogens that directly impact statewide health.

The role offers a clear path for technical growth, mentorship at senior level, and opportunities to collaborate with external partners while adhering to CLIA, ISO 17025, and CAP standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 0-1 year of relevant experience.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-complexity diagnostic testing on clinical and environmental samples including high-consequence pathogens.
• Operate and calibrate advanced laboratory instrumentation, performing routine maintenance and identifying malfunctions.
• Review raw data and results in LIMS to ensure accuracy before reports are released to partners.
• Document daily quality control checks and monitor environmental conditions to meet CLIA, ISO 17025 and CAP standards.
• Participate in validation of new testing platforms and laboratory-developed tests (LDTs).
• Provide mentoring at the senior level and coordinate daily team workflows.
• Guide external partners on specimen collection and test interpretation.

Skills

High-complexity testing

Laboratory instrumentation

Quality control

LIMS data review

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

LIMS

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]