Lab Preparedness Scientist

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　　Lab Preparedness Scientist

　　Salary

　　$6,036.00 - $6,640.00 Monthly

　　Location

　　Denver Metro, CO

　　Job Type

　　Full Time

　　Job Number

　　FAA01434-01/09/24

　　Department

　　Department of Public Health & Environment

　　Division

　　Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response

　　Opening Date

　　01/19/2024

　　Closing Date

　　2/8/2024 11:59 PM Mountain

　　FLSA

　　Determined by Position

　　Primary Physical Work Address

　　8100 East Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80230

　　FLSA Status

　　Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

　　Description

　　Benefits

　　Questions

　　Department Information

　　Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response - Microbiology Program (Microbiology Unit)

　　This position has a Colorado Residency Waiver and does not require

　　Colorado Residency to apply.

　　IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a term-limited position and funding cannot be guaranteed beyond July 31, 2026. The incumbent in this position must be willing and able to resign on this date or when funds run out, whichever comes first.

　　We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

　　Be BOLD.....Make a REAL difference . . . and join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play, to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

　　Our mission… is to advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play.

　　Our vision… is to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

　　In addition to free parking, access to RTD bus lines, Cherry Creek bike path and flexible working arrangements, click the link below to review additional benefits and perks!!! https://cdphe.colorado.gov/careers

　　Description of Job

　　The Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response (DCPHR) exists to ensure that the Department has the ability to effectively monitor, detect, diagnose, prepare for, and nimbly respond to, all types of conditions and events that impact the public’s health. The division includes the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response; State Public Health Laboratory; Health Equity Branch, Communicable Disease Branch; Immunization Branch; Public Health Informatics, Reporting, Technology Branch; Refugee Branch; and Operations Branch. The Division exists to ensure that the Department has the ability to effectively prepare for, monitor, detect, diagnose, investigate, and nimbly respond to all types of conditions, events and disasters that impact the public’s health.

　　The Unit:

　　The Microbiology program exists to provide accurate scientific data and test results in regard to detection, identification, and typing of microorganisms of public health importance in clinical, animal, and environmental specimens using current molecular biological methods. The unit exists to ensure accurate and timely test results for support of patient diagnosis and environmental outbreaks, epidemiological investigations of communicable disease outbreaks, and rapid response to bioterrorism events; to provide the public with advice and consultation and; to provide reference, teaching, and consultation services for infectious diseases. The emergency preparedness unit functions as a Laboratory Response Network (LRN) testing site and exists within the Microbiology program to provide timely testing of select BSL-3 agents, including agents considered to be a bioterrorism threat.

　　What you will be doing:

　　This position exists to facilitate, organize, and conduct high-complexity testing and analyses of emerging pathogens select agent specimens in participation with the CDC LRN for the timely detection, identification, and typing of microorganisms of public health threat and concern. This position primarily supports emergency preparedness activities, including support to ensure continuous operation of Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Laboratory Response Network (LRN) testing activities. This position maintains communications with the CDC and the CDPHE Biosafety Officer, maintains staff training and competency records, performs calibration and maintenance of instrumentation. This position is responsible for troubleshooting problems or errors, performing validation/verification activity, independently monitoring the testing sample backlog to effectively triage analytical testing, and preparing policies and procedures to improve emergency preparedness testing practices. This position performs required quality assurance and quality control requirements including QC testing and documentation. This position is responsible for accurate reporting and results entry and communication of results to CDC or necessary authorities. This position is responsible for responding to specimen submitters and to efficiently reconcile specimen submission questions and to quickly and accurately communicate results to CDC and internal partners. This position reports test results to appropriate public health and health care professionals and properly packages and ships specimens/isolates to the CDC/FDA for additional testing.

　　Analytical Testing Support:

　　This position is responsible for microbiological and molecular analytical testing within the Microbiology program, specifically emerging pathogen testing, BSL-3 containment testing, and emergency preparedness testing operations under LRN.

　　Instrumentation:

　　This position is responsible for the operation, calibration and maintenance of equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analyses, and ensures that verification/validation and equipment functionality are evaluated and documented on a regular basis.

　　Emergency Preparedness Testing Logistics:

　　This position serves to support emergency preparedness testing, including LRN testing and other new testing methods within the program.

　　Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

　　Residency Requirement:

　　This posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado.

　　MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience:

　　Option 1

　　Six (6) years of professional experience* in a laboratory setting conducting high-complexity testing and performing molecular-based diagnostic, research or regulated microbiological testing (e.g., CLIA, FDA, ISO).

　　OR

　　Option 2

　　Bachelor's degree** from an accredited institution in science, biological science (e.g., microbiology, food microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry) or closely related degree

　　AND

　　Two (2) years of professional experience* in a laboratory setting conducting high-complexity testing and performing molecular-based diagnostic, research or regulated microbiological testing (e.g., CLIA, FDA, ISO).

　　OR

　　Option 3

　　An advanced degree** (Master's or Doctorate) from an accredited college or university in science, biological science (e.g., microbiology, food microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry) or closely related degree

　　*This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

　　**A copy of your transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Late transcripts will not be accepted.

　　Preferred Qualifications and Essential Competencies:

　　Relevant years of State service contribute to a candidate's position-related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior or other posted competency should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process.

　　ASCP MLS or related certification (M, MB, etc.) with high volume experience in Microbiology and LDT validationsGraduate degree in microbiology or molecular biology, or extensive experience in a regulated microbiology diagnostic testing laboratory

　　Experience using LIMS system for inventory, sample tracking, and results reporting

　　Knowledge of generally accepted laboratory QA/QC procedures and processes as they apply to a diagnostic and/or molecular-based testing

　　In-depth knowledge of laboratory regulatory requirements (e.g., CLIA, FDA, ISO)

　　In-depth knowledge of CDC biosafety recommendations (BMBL)

　　In-depth knowledge of chemical safety recommendations

　　Knowledge, experience, and ability to evaluate safety recommendations of BSL-2 and BSL-3 practices

　　Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with a wide range of customers

　　Knowledge of and use of desktop computer hardware and software

　　Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills

　　Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills

　　Ability to interpret regulations and statutes

　　Ability to interpret and analyze data

　　Keen attention to detail

　　Ability to self-motivate

　　Ability to work well independently as well as in/with a team

　　Ability to collaborate and achieve consensus across work units and programs

　　Participation in Laboratory Response Network testing of select agents

　　CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

　　Must be willing to:

　　Pre-employment background check

　　Pre-employment drug testing required for this designated safety-sensitive position

　　Travel to conferences

　　Shift Work required

　　Relocate to Colorado.

　　Be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.

　　Be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.

　　Appeal Rights:

　　An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

　　As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

　　Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.

　　For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules .

　　Supplemental Information

　　A complete application packet must include:

　　A completed State of Colorado application.

　　A cover letter that describes how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position.

　　If using education to qualify, a copy of your college/university transcripts. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

　　If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

　　The Selection Process:

　　All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.

　　Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

　　Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

　　A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

　　E-Verify: CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify (http://www.dhs.gov/e-verify) , including your rights and responsibilities.

　　You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.

　　ADAAA Accommodations :

　　The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Dan McKenna, at [email protected] or call 303-692-2060, option 5.

　　CDPHE IS A TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS