Special Pathogens Technician (Laboratory Technologist II)-61008907

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

On-call compensation

Retirement plan

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Public Health is seeking a skilled laboratory professional to perform high complexity molecular testing in the Special Pathogens Laboratory. You will work under general supervision on PCR, sequencing, MALDI-TOF, and related molecular techniques to support infectious disease investigations.

Responsibilities include bacterial culture, QC/QA, instrument maintenance, and providing technical consultation to clinicians and public health staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or associate degree in a related medical/scientific discipline or equivalent training.
• Equivalent combination of education/experience may be considered.
• Journey-level work experience in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Perform high complexity molecular biology analyses (PCR, TRF, MALDI-TOF, sequencing).
• Conduct clinical microbiology procedures (cultures, biochemical testing, susceptibility testing).
• Maintain QA/QC records and instrument maintenance; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide technical consultation to clinicians and public health staff.
• Be available for after-hours on-call and travel during emergencies as needed.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR

TRF

MALDI-TOF

Sequencing

Bacterial culture

QA/QC

Equipment maintenance

Technical consultation

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Associate degree or equivalent training

Tools

PCR equipment

MALDI-TOF

Sequencing instruments

Microscopes

BSCs/Biological safety cabinets

Job description

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Work under the general supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor, Special Pathogens Laboratory, Public Health Laboratory. Performs a variety of high complexity, diagnostic, and reference laboratory testing using molecular biology based procedures as BSL-2 and BSL-3 for the purpose of investigating infectious disease outbreaks, antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, bioterrorism agents, or other public health threats or emergencies.

• Performs Molecular Biology based, high complexity analyses such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Timed Resolved Fluorometry, Mass spectrophorometry (MALDI-TOF), Malarial testing for suspect Ebola cases, serological testing and nucleic acid (gene) sequencing.
• Performs Clinical Microbiological procedures such as bacterial cultures, biochemical testing, phage lysis and susceptibility testing.
• Performs laboratory procedures and duties related to the public health laboratory preparedness and response to bioterrorism (biologic agents), infectious disease outbreaks, emerging infectious diseases of public health importance and other public health threats and emergencies. Available after hours and on weekends for these duties as needed. Serves on a 365/7/24 on-call roster for response to bioterrorism.
• Operates and maintains PCR,Timed Resolved Fluorometry (TRF), MALDI-TOF, and nucleic acid sequencing instrument systems; operates and maintains microscopes, biological safety cabinets, and other microbiology equipment. Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of instrument and equipment maintenance and function verification checks. Performs quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) activities. Maintains accurate and up-to-date QA and QC records to document compliance with laboratory regulatory and accreditation agencies guidelines, standards, and regulations. Prepares and maintains in-date media and reagents.
• Maintains records of patient specimens and test results, and reports test results. Provide technical consultation to clinicians, laboratory scientists, and public health staff.
• 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.

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

Agency Additional Requirements:

Must be able to pass the Criminal Justice Information Services’ Bioterrorism Security Risk Assessment. (See page 7 of the link below for the contraindications set forth from the Criminal Justice Information Services - contraindications noted in 22a-22i) https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/fd-961-for-internet.pdf/view). Must be able to work flexible hours and be able for 24-hour on call duty, overnight travel, and occasional weekend and holiday work.

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 SCDPH 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.

Ability to take the Smallpox and Ebola vaccination is strongly preferred.

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.

Benefits

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Full Time Employees (FTE) positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• 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 Full Time Employees (FTE); 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.