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Location

Frankfort, KY | United States

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Job description

Advertisement Closes

3/1/2024 (7:00 PM EST)

24-01181

Public Health Laboratory Scientist I

Pay Grade

13

Salary

$51,269.52 Annually

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Click here for more details on state employment.

Hiring Agency

Cabinet for Health & Family Services | Department for Public Health

Location

100 Sower Blvd., STE 204
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Description

The Department for Public Health, Division of Laboratory Services, Microbiology Branch is dedicated to improving health and safety of Kentucky citizens through prevention, promotion and protection. This Public Health Laboratory Scientist I position provides the individual with the opportunity to learn to perform routine testing for various viral and bacterial diseases. The Branch works with submitting facilities across the state to ensure requested and mandated testing services are provided to all citizens living in the Commonwealth. The Division strives to allow individuals to enhance their laboratory skills through advanced training in state–of-the-art technologies. The Bacteriology Section of the Microbiology Branch is responsible for providing analysis for the multitude of specimens received each month. This testing allows for treatment to begin as soon as possible in the affected individual’s lives, thereby eliminating or reducing the effects of the infections which could include permanent physical/mental disability or death.


This position will be required to perform isolation and confirmatory testing for specimens and isolates suspected to contain Mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Further duties will potentially include analysis of foodborne enteric pathogens and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, as well as assessing antimicrobial resistance to drugs used to treat infections. This individual will work with our state partners, such as the Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning, as well as our federal partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The candidate for this position needs to be a fast learner, enthusiastic, motivated to do an excellent job, have a desire to improve systems and keep the team informed of issues. The successful candidate needs to be professional, polite, attentive to details and understands the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).


Responsibilities and Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Perform testing of bacterial clinical specimens and isolates for pathogen isolation and identification, as well as antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Gain and maintain knowledge concerning testing for microbiological exposures.
• Assist with routine testing and analysis on bacterial cultures for detection and identification, carbapenem- resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) analysis.
• Interpret data and determine the validity of testing methods, as well as training new personnel.
• Assists with maintenance of lab certifications and participate in proficiency testing.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Ability and desire to learn quickly.
• Proficiency in microbiological assays.
• Understanding of conventional applications as well as molecular methods.
• Understanding of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Computer literacy.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work with others: motivates, delegates and mediates.
• Adhere to confidentiality requirements (HIPAA).
• Self-starter with initiative to problem solve scientific/instrument issues.

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in U.S. CHFS will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that CHFS has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, biology, chemistry, microbiology, medical technology, zoology, forensics science, animal science, biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, health science, biomedical engineering, environmental biology, ecology, pre-med studies, agricultural engineering, bacteriology, biochemistry, physics, biophysics, dairy science, genetics, pathology, veterinary medicine, histology or a related field.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: One year of professional laboratory work conducting laboratory testing.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Certification as a Medical Technologist or a Medical Laboratory Scientist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology will substitute for one year of experience; OR master's degree in medical laboratory science, medical technology, chemistry, any biological, physical, or agricultural science, including microbiology, virology, immunology, bacteriology, histology, molecular microbiology or a related field will substitute for one year of experience.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in a laboratory setting. May be exposed to potential hazards related to laboratory conditions and supplies which may require the following of safety precautions.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Rita Dempsey at [email protected] or 502-782-3872.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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