Laboratory Scientist 3 - Molecular Diagnostics and Sequencing

No ag background, no problem! You'll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio. The Molecular Diagnostics section offers PCR testing and DNA sequencing analysis for screening, diagnosis or confirmation of infectious agents.

This position is responsible for:

• In the Ohio Department of Agriculture's (ODA) Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) Molecular Diagnostics and Sequencing Section, conducts and coordinates research efforts & projects with other Animal Health lab sections, outside agencies &/or consultants (e.g. universities, industries such as swine (National Pork Board), poultry (Ohio Poultry Association), cattle (bull stud)
• Plans, coordinates, reviews & analyzes research programs & projects (e.g., FDA, USDA and other federal or state funded programs & project)
• Reviews & analyzes problems or issues to be researched & develops appropriate research tools (e.g. methodology, design of experiments, hypotheses testing), designs & implements research projects & prepares & maintains necessary reports, records, technical evaluations &/or publications related to research projects
• Assists in preparing research proposals
• Acts as lead worker of lower-level laboratory staff (e.g., scientists/technicians) assigned to research projects and veterinary diagnostic work
• Performs tests that require specialized knowledge, training & judgment and advanced techniques (e.g., PCR, sequencing analysis) including working in biosafety level 2 & 3 laboratory environments
• Adapts &/or develops standard procedures (SOP) to extent permitted by laboratory policies OR performs all of preceding & provides daily work direction & training to others in the Molecular Diagnostics and Sequencing Section
• Serves as resource person & technical advisor in laboratory
• Assists with laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC)
• Assists with development of new research methodologies
• Assists supervisor in training lower-level scientists & technicians
• Independently solves problems & mitigates factors interfering with testing
• Develops, improves & customizes analytical methods, equipment, formulas or processes
• Provides results to appropriate individuals following agency established guidelines
• Provides explanation of methods & procedures requiring specialized knowledge, training & judgment to clients/customers
• Performs advanced (e.g., beyond daily) equipment calibrations & quality control, test ranges & other limit determinations
• Monitors equipment to evaluate operating efficiency & to diagnose malfunctions
• Performs routine maintenance
• Troubleshoots & repairs equipment as needed & identifies when to contact vendor for assistance
• Uses computer to input & process test data
• Develops & implements standard operating procedures (SOPs) & methodology for which there are no published, established standard protocols or methods
• Writes technical papers & reports
• Uses data to prepare reports, summaries, charts &/or other documentation (e.g., prepares findings of laboratory analysis, develops & updates procedure/workstation manuals)
• Assists other sections in planning & executing special projects as needed
• Reads highly technical journals
• Attends & participates in local &/or out-of-state training sessions & seminars
• Replies to requests for information &/or represents agency in meetings with government or industry representatives &/or public
• Testifies in hearings
• Maintains work-related documentation {e.g., laboratory records, test results, client/patient information) in hard copy &/or electronic form
• Organizes own work & cleans & maintains workspace
• Tracks & orders supplies
• Performs other related duties as assigned

This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.

What's in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are free after one year of continuous service.

Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee's salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Maternity Benefits

• Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.
• Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include:

o Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.

o Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).

o Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.

o Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.

o Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.

• Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits.
• Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third-party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers.

54 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.

• Or completion of undergraduate core coursework in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science; 24 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file;
• Or completion of Master of Science core program in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science; 12 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.
• Or 12 months experience as Laboratory Scientist 2, 83292.
• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above