Wastewater Molecular Surveillance Lab Specialist

Health & Human Services; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 62,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Paid leave

Professional training

Job summary

The Wastewater Surveillance Lab Specialist position within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services supports the Environmental Sciences Unit in Wake County, performing advanced molecular testing to detect viral pathogens in wastewater. Responsibilities include digital PCR, sequencing, validation of new assays, and training staff to ensure high‑quality surveillance data.

The role emphasizes SOP drafting, QA/QC oversight, and providing technical support during public health

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in medical technology, microbiology, chemistry or related field and three years of experience in a medical laboratory or in the assigned work area.
• Public Health Labs must meet CLIA ’88 personnel requirements for high‑complexity testing supervision.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing using digital PCR, Sanger sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing to detect and characterize viral pathogens in wastewater.
• Process wastewater samples and conduct routine surveillance testing to support outbreak investigations.
• Follow SOPs and quality assurance procedures during molecular testing.
• Implement new molecular assays and monitor QC/QA documentation.
• Carry out routine maintenance on laboratory instruments to ensure reliable operation.
• Draft and update laboratory procedures and validation reports.

Skills

Molecular testing

Digital PCR

Sanger sequencing

Whole-genome sequencing

Training

Education

Bachelor's degree in medical technology / microbiology / chemistry or related field

Job description

The Wastewater Surveillance Lab Specialist position within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services supports the Environmental Sciences Unit in Wake County, performing advanced molecular testing to detect viral pathogens in wastewater. Responsibilities include digital PCR, sequencing, validation of new assays, and training staff to ensure high‑quality surveillance data.

The role emphasizes SOP drafting, QA/QC oversight, and providing technical support during public health