Public Health Laboratory Research Specialist (35 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Public Health Laboratory Research Specialist to work in our Laboratory Division! The Public Health Laboratory Research Specialist maintains all applied research records and prepares reports for staff at the State Public Health Laboratory’s Infectious Diseases Division. Responsibilities will include assisting in the preparation of grant proposals, collaborating with other laboratories and academic institutions, consulting with State and Federal agencies as a technical resource, and performing related duties.

Discover the opportunity to:

• Initiate, perform, and oversee applied research.
• Evaluate laboratory procedures in order to improve effectiveness or present laboratory methods.
• Evaluate and validate effectiveness of new procedures for use in public health laboratories.

Are you interested in joining the amazing team at the Connecticut Department of Public Health? We encourage you to apply today! Our lab is conveniently located in Rocky Hill, CT. The work schedule for this position is typically Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week.

We participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan, as well as paid time off!

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.  

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account. 

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position. Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. 

Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.  

Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Chelsea Moore at Chelsea.Moore@ct.gov.

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.

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.

Considerable knowledge of current clinical, biological, microbiological, chemical, biochemical or molecular laboratory practices as related to public health; considerable knowledge of 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; ability to apply scientific knowledge to studies concerned with public health and environmental, biological or chemical terrorism; ability to use advanced statistical methods; ability to communicate to and instruct others in advanced theories, concepts and methodologies; ability to prepare and maintain accurate reports; ability to document and write instructions for technical methods; ability to prepare and present scientific information for peer review.

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

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been peforming 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.

1. 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.
2. A Master's degree in one of the biological, chemical or physical sciences may be substituted for five (5) years of the General Experience.
3. 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.

• Experience with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) method development and assay validation for the detection and identification of viral and bacterial pathogens.
• Experience with quality assurance, quality control and safety policies and procedures as related to Biosafety Level 2 and Biosafety Level 3 laboratory practices.
• Experience writing standard operating procedures including data summary or method validation reports.
• Experience communicating with diverse levels of internal and external authority regarding policies, procedures, test methods performed and interpretation of analytical results.  
• Experience with methods and applications in Microsoft Office suite, laboratory information management systems, statistical and data management software packages.

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

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

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.