State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Public Health Laboratory Research Specialist (35 Hour) (1671HC)

$52.98-$71.77 Hourly / $3,708.40-$5,023.26 BiWeekly /
$96,789.00-$131,107.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Public Health this class is accountable for establishing and conducting state-of-the-art complex and involved examinations, studies and research and providing instruction to staff of the Public Health Laboratory.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of a Health Laboratory Division Director or other professional employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Advises and instructs Microbiologists, Chemists and other staff assigned to research activities or specialized testing.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Initiates, performs, and oversees state-of-the-art complex applied research:

  • Evaluates laboratory procedures in light of newer findings in order to improve effectiveness of present laboratory methods; 
  • Evaluates and validates effectiveness of new procedures for use in public health laboratories; 
  • Conducts special studies in areas not routinely studied by the Public Health Laboratory; 
  • Instructs staff in any of several areas of specialty including clinical, chemistry, biochemistry or molecular studies pertinent to public health; 
  • Maintains records and prepares reports; 
  • Prepares articles for publication in technical journals; 
  • Assists in the preparation of grant proposals; 
  • Collaborates with other laboratories and academic institutions; 
  • Consults with state and federal agencies as a technical resource; 
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • current clinical, biological, microbiological, chemical, biochemical or molecular laboratory practices as related to public health; 
    • scientific principles and application to laboratory testing, methods, instrumentation and quality assurance; 
  • Knowledge of state-of-the-art laboratory apparatus and techniques; 
  • Ability to
    • make accurate observations; 
    • apply scientific knowledge to studies concerned with public health and environmental, biological or chemical terrorism; 
    • use advanced statistical methods
    • communicate to and instruct others in advanced theories, concepts and methodologies; 
    • prepare and maintain accurate reports; 
    • document and write instructions for technical methods; 
    • prepare and present scientific information for peer review.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Eight (8) years of experience in a public health, medical or research laboratory performing scientific work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been performing complex advanced scientific work in the applicable area(s) of chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology or molecular biology including documented experience in developing, implementing and interpreting laboratory tests.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training in one of the biological, chemical or physical sciences may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
  • A Master's degree in one of the biological, chemical or physical sciences may be substituted for five (5) years of the General Experience.
  • A Doctoral degree in one of the biological, chemical or physical sciences with an emphasis on laboratory practice may be substituted for seven (7) years of the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests or immunizations for communicable diseases as necessary.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to undergo and successfully complete security background checks.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(17)-Laboratory/Scientific Services

BARGAINING UNIT

(11)-HEALTH PROF (P-1)

EEO

(2)-Professional

SALARY INFORMATION

HC 32

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Public Health Laboratory Research Specialist (35 Hour) in Salary Group HC 32 approved effective January 31, 2007. (Revised to add Acknowledgement section and modify content) Final No. 23-090

EFFECTIVE DATE

05/02/2023
CLASS: 1671HC; EST: 7/1/2002; REV: 5/3/2023;