The Virology/Serology Unit of the NC State Laboratory of Public Health is currently accepting applications for a Laboratory Specialist. The primary purpose this position is to perform a wide range of medical laboratory tests used to diagnose, treat, and prevent certain infectious diseases, with a focus on viral agents. The procedures performed by this position are highly specialized and consist of serologic-based assays, real-time PCR, and advanced molecular biological techniques. This position will support the SLPH's Infectious Disease Unit's mission by performing verifications and validations on new methods, supporting the transition from older techniques and assays, performing diagnostic testing for pathogen identification, pathogen characterization, and outbreak investigations, and improving the overall quality of testing services provided by the NC State Laboratory.
Areas of responsibility and duties include but are not limited to:
Performing routine testing of clinical and surveillance specimens for respiratory, vaccine preventable, vector-borne, and zoonotic pathogens, with a focus on viral agents
Performing instrument preventative maintenance activities including periodic (daily, monthly, quarterly, etc.) procedures per manufacturer's protocol
Performing testing of unknown proficiency testing specimens and staff competency assessments
Performing verifications and validations on new methods
Meeting quality standards by performing and documenting work in accordance with NCSLPH Quality Assurance guidelines and CLIA ‘88 (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) rules and regulations • Maintaining laboratory organization, cleanliness, and decontamination according to SOPs
Work is performed at BSL2, BSL2+, and BSL3 levels using proper containment techniques and personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Surge capacity response during viral, bacterial, and/or fungal public health disease clusters, outbreaks, and/or pandemics is required. Work may require extended work hours to include weekends and/or holidays during public health emergencies and/or routine specimen processing.
About the Division of Public Health and the State Laboratory of Public Health:
The NC Division of Public Health (DPH) works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina – Everywhere, Everyday, Everybody.
The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) provides an array of services including Laboratory Testing, Training/Consultation and Certification. The?NCSLPH?provides more than 125 clinical laboratory tests and more than 65 environmental laboratory tests to the public and private medical health care system in North Carolina and performs over 6 million tests annually on human, animal, food, water, and agricultural samples. Additionally,?NCSLPH?provides training and consultation for local health departments, hospitals, commercial laboratories, private health care professionals, community-based organizations and state and regional staff from the NC Division of Public Health (DPH) and other state and regional agencies.
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:
Must meet federal CLIA ’88 personnel requirements for a general supervisor in a high complexity laboratory. Candidates must attach a copy of their transcript(s) and/or certification(s) to qualify for consideration.
Experience with laboratory equipment, troubleshooting laboratory test procedures, and interpreting results.
Experience with general laboratory operational policies and procedures.
Experience working with potentially infectious materials and how to take appropriate precautions to avoid infection.
Knowledge of the standards and rules of regulatory agencies associated with public/medical/clinical health laboratory testing, including CLIA.
Knowledge of virology and/or molecular biology.
Management Preferences:
American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification.
Prior experience working in a federal, state, or local public health laboratory.
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.
Requires ability to distinguish colors and close visual acuity to perform data analysis and visual inspection of specimens using standard laboratory equipment.
Requires 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 when using laboratory equipment .
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.
Necessary Special Qualifications:
Must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA 88 personnel requirements for a general supervisor in a laboratory performing high complexity testing.
