Laboratory Scientist 1 (Virology)

What You'll Do:

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 Virology section provides high quality diagnostic services to practicing veterinarians, researchers and industry. Major services provided by the Virology section include detection and identification of viruses and viral antigens and/or antibodies from animal tissues, serum, body fluids, and feces.

This position is responsible for:

• Performs basic tests within the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) for Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA)
• Receives test specimens, reviews and/or enters information into laboratory information management system
• Prepares specimens & follows standard operating procedures to perform basic diagnostic assays & reports results (e.g., direct and Indirect fluorescent antibody test, ELISA)
• Collaborates with senior analysts on more complicated assays such as virus/serum neutralization, virus isolation, electron microscopy, and maintenance of cell lines of animal origin
• Disposes of all residual material with appropriate decontamination procedures
• Orders test kits or reagents
• Tracks laboratory supplies
• Prepares test media & reagents & related duties as needed for any test method
• Collaborates with senior analysts in writing SOPs and scientific reports
• Maintains laboratory records and specimen storage following stablished document and specimen retention times
• Keeps accurate & complete records as necessary
• Participates in the laboratory's biosafety and Quality Management activities
• Participates in calibration and verification activities of laboratory physical property (e.g., pipettors, balances, thermometers, timers)
• Assists with daily upkeep of assigned laboratory equipment such as computers, refrigerators, centrifuges, and incubators
• Disposes of biological material following appropriate waste management procedures (e.g. autoclaving)
• Participates in outreach activities (e.g., tours, peer mentoring)
• Performs other 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.

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

• Or completion of associate degree 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 completion of undergraduate core coursework in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science.
• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.