PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY SCIENTIST 2, VIROLOGY - 03102026-75736

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, COMMUNICABLE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DISEASE AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DIVISION, DAVIDSON COUNTY

A transcript with ALL credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order for the agency to properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Sciences or related field of study from an accredited college or university, and at least one year of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience in a related field study; OR successful completion of a two-year from an accredited medical laboratory technician program and at least one year of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience in a related field study; OR meet CLIA Testing Personnel Qualification Category set forth in federal CMS regulations 42 CFR 493.1489 and at least one year of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience in a related field study.

Substitution of Education for Experience: Undergraduate and graduate course work received from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for the required education and experience on a year-to-year basis to a maximum of one year (e.g., 24 graduate semester hours or 36 graduate quarter hours in a related field may substitute for education and/or one year of the required experience). A transcript with ALL credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order for the agency to properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license throughout the duration of employment.

Overview

Position Overview:

The PH Laboratory Scientist 2 is an advanced/working level position that performs routine laboratory, operational, and administrative activities in the TDH Division of Laboratory Services. Under general supervision of a PH Laboratory Manager or Director, the incumbent serves as Laboratory Scientist responsible for performing laboratory testing and operational tasks of average difficulty, including but not limited to performing all phases of laboratory testing, troubleshooting, and performing data analysis and interpretation. This position performs routine technical and non-technical work with responsibilities that are broader in scope and more complex than a PH Laboratory Scientist 1.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs molecular and clinical laboratory testing and quality assurance activities for all phases of testing (pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical), including nucleic acid extraction, real-time PCR (RT-PCR/qPCR), amplification setup, and result interpretation in accordance with agency policies, CLIA regulations, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and organizational goals.
• Processes clinical specimens (e.g., nasopharyngeal swabs, stool, serum, plasma, and other specimen types) using strict clean-to-dirty workflow principles and unidirectional molecular laboratory practices to prevent contamination.
• Performs RNA/DNA extraction using manual and automated platforms and conducts molecular detection of viral pathogens including Influenza A/B, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Norovirus, Measles virus, and other reportable infectious agents.
• Prepares reagents and master mixes, maintains aseptic technique, and performs thermal cycler setup, amplification, and analysis of Ct values and amplification curves to ensure accurate and reliable diagnostic results.
• Conducts troubleshooting of molecular assays, including inhibition patterns, control failures, extraction inefficiencies, and contamination events; implements corrective actions and documents findings appropriately.
• Contributes to laboratory processes and procedures, equipment maintenance, temperature monitoring, and supply inventory management, ensuring operational readiness of molecular and clinical testing platforms.
• Participates in verification and validation studies for new molecular assays, instrumentation, and emerging infectious disease testing platforms.
• Supports respiratory and enteric virus surveillance activities and public health response initiatives, including outbreak investigations involving Influenza, COVID-19, Norovirus, Measles, and other communicable diseases of public health significance.
• Communicates laboratory operational and testing activities with laboratory personnel, supervisors, and/or managers; promptly notifies leadership of testing, biosafety, or operational issues and maintains effective written and oral communication.
• Maintains knowledge of clinical microbiology, virology, molecular diagnostics, and public health infectious diseases; follows agency policies and maintains technical competency and continuing education requirements.
• Assists with technical and non-technical training of laboratory staff, students, fellows, and other professionals in molecular workflows, biosafety practices (BSL-2), aseptic technique, and quality assurance procedures.
• Participates in laboratory section and division activities, quality improvement initiatives, and data management activities, including accurate documentation in laboratory information systems (LIS).
• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in accordance with biosafety guidelines and contamination control standards.
• The responsibilities described indicate the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

1. Builds Effective Teams
2. Instills Trust
3. Action Oriented
4. Customer Focus
5. Communicates Effectively

Knowledge:

1. Laboratory Procedures
2. Quality Control Standards
3. Health and Safety Regulations
4. Sample Preparation and Analysis
5. Equipment Maintenance and Calibration

Skills:

1. Analytical Skills
2. Attention to Detail and Active Listening
3. Time Management
4. Technical Proficiency
5. Problem Solving

Abilities:

1. Deductive Reasoning
2. Mathematical Reasoning
3. Communication Ability and Speech Clarity
4. Critical Thinking
5. Problem Sensitivity

Tools & Equipment

1. General Lab Equipment
2. Lab Section Specialized Equipment
3. Autoclaves
4. BSC and Fume-hoods
5. Computers

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.