Validation & Verification Lead, Public Health Lab

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Loan forgiveness

Health insurance

Pension plan

Work-from-home option

Job summary

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene invites applications for a Coordinator of Validation and Verification in the Bureau of the Public Health Laboratory. This full-time role leads validation/verification of new assays and coordinates cross‑unit collaboration to ensure accurate laboratory testing for NYC.

We seek candidates with a PhD in biological sciences or related fields, eligible for NYS CQ certification, and strong knowledge of laboratory standards.

Qualifications

• PhD in biological sciences or microbiology/virology with extensive experience in clinical/public health lab operations.
• CQ certification eligibility required by NYS Education Department.
• General standards of laboratory performance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate validations/verification processes for new assays across PHL sections and units.
• Coordinate research efforts with external agencies (e.g., CDC) and institutions.
• Review literature for new assay implementation and publish findings as needed.
• Contribute to rapid lab response to biological threats and maintain LRN‑B capacity.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert in microbiological and molecular testing of emerging pathogens.
• Assist in coordinating emergency response and testing during surge events.

Skills

Lab leadership

Molecular testing techniques

Education

PhD in biological sciences / microbiology / virology

Clinical Laboratory Director Certificate of Qualification eligibility (NYS)

Job description

Coordinator of Validation and Verification, Bureau of the Public Health Laboratory

• Full-time
• Agency: DEPT OF HEALTH/MENTAL HYGIENE
• Job Category: Health
• Salary Band: $100,000 to $125,000
• Compensation: USD 98,159 - USD 112,883

The Division of Disease Control's mission is to safeguard the health of New Yorkers through identification, surveillance, treatment, control, and prevention of infectious diseases, which is achieved through varied and interrelated endeavors of its seven Bureaus. The NYC Public Health Laboratory (PHL) is one of the largest local public health laboratories in the United States where employees contribute to the health and safety of NYC residents by providing clinical and environmental laboratory testing services. PHL is committed to its mission to safeguard the health of all NYC residents by providing quality laboratory testing services that support the priorities of DOHMH and its community partners to prevent and respond to clinical and environmental public health concerns. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Public Health Laboratory, seeks a qualified candidate to serve as a Coordinator of Validation and Verification.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
Functions as the coordinator of validations/verification.
Coordinates activities for the verification/validation of new assays with the different sections and units at the NYC PHL.
Assists in coordinating the research efforts of the agency with research projects in other agencies or institutions (e.g. Wadsworth Center, CDC).
Studies and evaluates literature for the implementation of new assays in the laboratory. Writes papers on research results or findings for publication.
Participates in the implementation of the assays to provide a rapid laboratory response to biological threats and maintain LRN-B laboratory capacity.
Is a subject matter expert in microbiological and molecular testing techniques for emerging pathogens to provide a rapid laboratory response to biological threats.
Support maintaining LRN-B laboratory capacity.
Assists in the coordination of an emergency response and the analytical testing of specimens during surge events.

PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Possess (or eligibility for) a Clinical Laboratory Director Certificate of Qualification (CQ) issued by the New York State Education Department.
- PhD in the biological sciences/microbiology/virology field with extensive experience in the technical and administrative operations of a Clinical or Public Health Laboratory.
- Knowledge of generally accepted standards of laboratory performance.


Why you should work for us:

- Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
- Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
- Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.

Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at [e-mail] or 347-396-6549.

CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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