PH LABORATORY SCIENTIST 1 NEWBORN SCREENING - 09222026-81108

Tennessee Department of Health; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tennessee Department of Health is seeking a PH Laboratory Scientist 1 in Nashville, TN. This entry/working level role performs routine laboratory testing and related operational tasks within the Division of Laboratory Services under supervision.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field or equivalent education/experience and a valid driver's license. The position requires a background check and may involve evening or weekend schedules in Nashville.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Sciences or related field from an accredited college or university; OR successful completion of a two-year medical laboratory technician program; OR meet CLIA Testing Personnel Qualification Category in 42 CFR 493.1489.
• Substitution of Education for Experience: coursework may substitute for education/experience up to two years with transcript uploaded.
• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license throughout employment.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory testing and quality assurance activities for all phases of testing in accordance with agency policies and procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and organizational goals.
• Contribute to laboratory processes and procedures, equipment and supply inventory management, and assist in troubleshooting practices for laboratory testing and operations.
• Participate in laboratory projects and initiatives, data analysis and management, verification/validation studies, and process improvement activities.
• Communicate laboratory operational and testing activities/tasks with laboratory personnel, supervisor and/or managers.
• Notify laboratory supervisors and/or managers of any operational issues and maintain effective written and oral communications among personnel.
• Maintain knowledge of clinical and public health infectious diseases, environmental laboratory science, or related laboratory specialties.
• Assist with technical and non-technical trainings for laboratory staff, students, fellows, and other professionals.
• Participate in laboratory section and division activities and initiatives.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Technical Proficiency

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology

Tools

General Lab Equipment

Lab Section Equipment

Autoclaves

BSC and Fume-hoods

Computers

Job description

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time 09/22/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time 10/05/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly) $3,631.00 - $4,533.00

Salary (Annually) $43,572.00 - $54,396.00

Job Type Full-Time

City, State Location Nashville, TN

Department Health

LOCATION OF (2) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DAVIDSON COUNTY

This position is located at the Division of Laboratory Services in Nashville, TN.

This position can either have a Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday - Saturday schedule.

A transcript with ALL credits is required (PDF encouraged) to be uploaded with an employment application in order to properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification. Microbiology coursework strongly preferred.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Sciences or related field of study from an accredited college or university; OR successful completion of a two-year from an accredited medical laboratory technician program; OR meet CLIA Testing Personnel Qualification Category set forth in federal CMS regulations 42 CFR 493.1489.

Substitution of Education for Experience: Undergraduate or graduate course work received from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for the required education and experience on a year-to-year basis to a maximum of two years (e.g., 24 graduate semester hours or 36 graduate quarter hours in a related field may substitute for education and/or one year of the experience). A transcript with ALL credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order for the agency to properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for this classification.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license throughout the duration of employment.

Overview

The PH Laboratory Scientist 1 is an entry/working level position that performs routine laboratory, operational, and administrative activities in the TDH Division of Laboratory Services. Under general supervision of a PH Laboratory Manager or Director, the incumbent serves as Laboratory Scientist responsible for performing laboratory testing and operational tasks of routine difficulty, including but not limited to performing all phases of laboratory testing, performing data analysis and interpretation, and assisting in troubleshooting. This position performs routine technical and non-technical work with responsibilities that are less complex than other positions within this job series.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory testing and quality assurance activities for all phases of testing in accordance with agency policies and procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and organizational goals.
• Contribute to laboratory processes and procedures, equipment and supply inventory management, and assist in troubleshooting practices for laboratory testing and operations.
• Participate in laboratory projects and initiatives, data analysis and management, verification/validation studies, and process improvement activities.
• Communicate laboratory operational and testing activities/tasks with laboratory personnel, supervisor and/or managers. Notify laboratory supervisors and/or managers of any operational issues and maintain effective written and oral communications among personnel.
• Maintain knowledge of clinical and public health infectious diseases, environmental laboratory science, or related laboratory specialties. Follows agency and organizational policies and procedures and maintains technical and non-technical proficiency and competency.
• Assist with technical and non-technical trainings for laboratory staff, students, fellows, and other professionals.
• Participate in laboratory section and division activities and initiatives.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• The responsibilities described indicate the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies

• Builds Effective Teams
• Instills Trust
• Action Oriented
• Customer Focus
• Communicates Effectively

Knowledge

• Laboratory Procedures
• Quality Control Standards
• Health and Safety Regulations
• Sample Preparation and Analysis
• Equipment Maintenance and Calibration

Skills

• Analytical Skills
• Attention to Detail and Active Listening
• Time Management
• Technical Proficiency
• Problem Solving

Abilities

• Deductive Reasoning
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Communication Ability and Speech Clarity
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Sensitivity

Tools & Equipment

• General Lab Equipment
• Lab Section Specialized Equipment
• Autoclaves
• BSC and Fume-hoods
• Computers

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

• Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.