The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a technologist in the Rabies Laboratory at the NC State Laboratory of Public Health performing diagnostic testing of animal specimens for the presence of Rabies virus. The primary method used for detection is Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) methods of necropsied brain tissue. This position will also be involved in performing new methods that are introduced in the Rabies lab. Laboratory duties this position performs includes specimen accessioning, necropsy, dissection of tissues, preparation of slides, slide staining, and slide reading and interpretation. Speciation of bats, foxes, skunks, and other wildlife are additional duties this position will be expected to perform. This position is required to serve an "on-call" schedule for emergency testing as needed over weekends and holidays as well as provide assistance to other laboratory testing areas during outbreak responses.
To receive credit for all of your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information listed under the text resume section or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Qualified candidates must document on the application that they possess all of the following:
Experience using and troubleshooting labware and laboratory equipment.
Knowledge of biology, anatomy, and general laboratory practices.
Knowledge of standards and rules of regulatory agencies associated with public health/medical laboratory testing.
Knowledge of the hazards of working with potentially infectious materials and how to take appropriate precautions to avoid infection.
Ability to handle and manipulate surgical tools used in animal necropsy.
Ability to adhere to SOPs, follow complex oral and written instructions, and instruct others in complex technical procedures.
Management Preferences:
Meets CLIA ’88 requirements for testing personnel in a laboratory performing high complexity testing.
Prior experience performing animal necropsy.
Prior experience working in a federal, state or, local public health laboratory.
Prior immunization against rabies.
Physical Requirements:
An occupational medical assessment may be required to determine your ability to safely work with biological, chemical, or radiological hazards.
This position may also require periodic medical screenings to confirm safety practices are effectively preventing occupational injury or illness.
All costs associated with obtaining occupational health services are covered by NCSLPH.
This position:
Works frequently with infectious disease agents that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as a respirator.
Uses laboratory equipment requiring ability to manipulate items with fingers, ability to grasp, and ability to feel/perceive the attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture.
Also, the position requires the ability to perceive colors normally.
Immunization against rabies is a precondition of employment within the rabies laboratory, along with periodic serological assessments of immunization to ensure that the employee maintains an adequate level of immunization.
Bachelor's degree in medical technology, chemistry, or a biological science from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of experience in a medical laboratory;
OR
Associate's degree in medical technology from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in a medical laboratory;
OR
Completion of a certified Laboratory Assistant course in medical technology or a comparable course and three years of experience in a medical laboratory;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience.
