PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY SCIENTIST GENERAL I

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Laboratories Administration now occupies a new five story laboratory facility incorporating design strategies to achieve the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Design) Silver Rating which is equipped with innovative, and cutting-edge tools - to expand scientific testing capabilities to adapt to emerging threats; to enhance preparedness efforts in response to disease outbreaks and environmental hazards; and to pursue teaching partnerships within the local community.  The Public Health Laboratory property is ideally situated in the heart of the scientific technology park at Johns Hopkins located adjacent to Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Easily accessible by MTA transit system and metro, just minutes away from downtown Baltimore and the Inner Harbor waterfront community.

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MDH, Laboratories Administration, MD

The main purpose of this position is to act as a scientist in the Division of Molecular Biology's Molecular Diagnostics Unit conducting specialized molecular biology based procedures/assays; interpreting and reporting these results on clinical specimens submitted to the State Public Health Laboratory for detection of Zika virus and other arbovirus infectious disease agents. These duties will be performed as part of the Laboratories Administration's quality public health laboratory activities to promote, protect, and preserve the health and well-being of the people in Maryland from communicable/infectious disease in conjunction with CDC federally funded public health initiatives.

Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Medical Technology, Pharmacy or Zoology from an accredited college or university.

Experience: None.

Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Health Science Research Officer classifications or Medical Laboratory Specialists specialty codes in the Science related field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's of science degree in a biological science discipline with at least one course in molecular biology and one course in biochemistry; medical clearance is required to wear N95/ or PAPR respirator to perform molecular biology based testing in biosafety level 3 laboratory (BSL-3).

The successful applicant should have sound knowledge of proper handling of potentially infectious specimens/samples including universal precautions, principles of molecular biology based assays (i.e. PCR), and some experience performing basic testing in a clinical laboratory environment.

Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year.

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201.  The paper application must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.

Incorrect application forms will not be accepted.

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload.  If unable to upload, please fax requested information only to 410-333-5689.  Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251. 

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

The incumbent in this position is a member of a covered bargaining unit and will be required to pay a bi-weekly service fee to the exclusive representative of the bargaining unit.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.