Wastewater 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

Agency

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Public Health Job Classification Title Laboratory Specialist (NS) Position Number 65036692 Grade MH16

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Job Summary

The Wastewater Surveillance Lab Specialist supports the Wastewater Surveillance/Environmental Sciences Unit by performing advanced molecular testing to detect and quantify viral agents of public health significance in wastewater.

The position independently conducts digital PCR, sequencing, and whole‑genome sequencing to produce accurate analytical results that inform surveillance and outbreak investigations. Work includes validating and verifying new molecular assays, preparing scientific documentation, and implementing newly developed testing procedures. The role also contributes to quality assurance activities and provides technical training to laboratory personnel. The position is based in Wake County and supports weekday operations within the Environmental Sciences Unit.

Key Duties

• 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.
• Utilize molecular tools to identify, group, type, and subtype viral and bacterial pathogens.
• Follow established standard operating procedures, quality assurance policies, and safety requirements during molecular testing.
• Implement new molecular assays and monitor associated quality control and quality assurance documentation.
• Carry out routine preventative maintenance on laboratory instruments to ensure reliable operation.
• Conduct validations and verifications of molecular methods and prepare supporting scientific documentation.
• Draft and update laboratory procedures, including SOPs, validation reports, and related technical documents.
• Deliver technical training to laboratory personnel on newly implemented molecular tests.
• Compile analytical data, prepare validation and verification reports, interpret findings, and present results to laboratory leadership.
• Provide laboratory support during public health emergencies, including additional hours when required.

Preferred Skills

• Expert‑level molecular testing proficiency demonstrated through independent characterization and quantification of viral DNA and RNA using digital PCR, Sanger sequencing, and whole‑genome sequencing.
• Advanced technical skill in validating and verifying molecular test methods demonstrated through developing scientific documentation and interpreting study outcomes with accuracy.
• Strong quality assurance competency demonstrated through monitoring control procedures, implementing new molecular assays, and completing routine maintenance on laboratory instruments.
• Intermediate proficiency in drafting laboratory documents demonstrated through preparing SOPs, method validation reports, and updates that support molecular testing operations.
• Proven training skill demonstrated through delivering technical instruction to laboratory personnel and supporting implementation of new molecular testing workflows.

Salary

Salary Grade Range: $62,044.00 - $102,371.00

Recruitment Range: $62,044.00 - $66,000.00

Employment Details

Posting will close at 11:59P.M. The night before the end date.

Position is 100% federally funded. Employees in this position must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA ’88 personnel requirements of Testing Personnel in a laboratory performing high‑complexity testing.

Applicants must attach copies of transcripts and/or certifications to be considered for the position.

Position is time‑limited, concluding on July31,2029 – extension subject to funding.

Location

The position is based in Wake County.

Qualifications

• Public Health Labs: Bachelor's degree in medical technology, microbiology, chemistry or a closely related biological science field from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience in a medical laboratory or in the assigned work area (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Other Labs: Bachelor's degree in medical technology, microbiology, chemistry or a closely related biological science field from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience in a laboratory in the assigned work area (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Necessary Special Requirements – Public Health Labs must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA ’88 personnel requirements for a general supervisor in a laboratory performing high‑complexity testing.

Background Check

Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.

Compensation and Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers comprehensive benefits.
• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high‑quality, low‑cost benefits on a pre‑tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• Paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

Equal Opportunity

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders.

We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice‑involved.

Contact

For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/

Recruiter: Tresha Walker Email: [e-mail]

End of Posting

All job postings close at 11:59PM the night before the end date on the posting.