Newborn Screening Laboratory Scientist - Laboratory Scientist 2

Job Details

Working Title: Newborn Screening Laboratory Scientist
Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 2
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 79834
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all bidders of MDH and all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be accepted through 09/11/2024.
• Date Posted: 09/05/2024
• Closing Date: 09/19/2024
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health
• Division/Unit: Public Health Lab / PHL NBS Core/Molecular Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $27.84 - $40.82 / hourly; $58,129 - $85,232 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

The Newborn Screening Lab is looking for a dynamic individual to carry out clinical and molecular biology assays for heritable and congenital disorders in newborn infants. The MDH Public Health Laboratory provides many services that help keep Minnesotans safe. Each section of the lab plays a different role in protecting the public's health by working together with partners at the local, state, and national levels. This position interprets and reports results in the laboratory information management system, maintain laboratory instrumentation, and troubleshoot analytical and instrumental problems. This position will also apply advanced biochemical and molecular skills to analyze newborn dried blood spot specimens and evaluate newborn screening results using quality criteria and standard operating procedures.

This position requires working one Saturday per month in exchange for a day off during the week. This position also requires working some holidays (1-2 per year).

All positions within the MDH Public Health Lab will work to cultivate an inclusive work environment for all, with respect to diversity and equity.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of laboratory experience testing specimens in a chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or clinical laboratory.

Minimum Qualifications to be assessed during interview:

• The chosen candidate must have successfully completed a minimum of 24 semester/36 quarter credits in medical laboratory technology. OR 24 semester/36 quarter credits of science courses that includes 6 semester/9 quarter credits in chemistry; 6 semester/9 quarter credits in biology; and 12 semester/18 quarter credits of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination. Applicants will be asked to provide evidence of course completion at time of interview.
• The ability to work independently, including planning, coordinating own work, and pay strong attention to detail.
• Technical skills in the preparation of samples, standards, and reagents.
• The ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Experience following quality control procedures and protocol to ensure accuracy of tests using documented procedures.

Bachelor of Science degree in chemical, biological, or physical sciences may substitute for 1 year of experience; Master's degree may substitute for 18 months; PhD may substitute for 2 years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Laboratory experience with high volume testing.
• Technical skills and familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Knowledge of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) principles and practices.
• Knowledge of chemical, biochemical, molecular, and/or clinical laboratory procedures.
• Knowledge of college mathematics, algebra and practical statistics.

Physical Requirements

Occasional transportation of up to 30 pounds.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check.

The chosen candidate must have successfully completed a minimum of 24 semester/36 quarter credits in medical laboratory technology. OR 24 semester/36 quarter credits of science courses that includes 6 semester/9 quarter credits in chemistry; 6 semester/9 quarter credits in biology; and 12 semester/18 quarter credits of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination. Applicants will be asked to provide evidence of course completion at time of interview.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Elizabeth Huckins at elizabeth.huckins@state.mn.us or 651-201-5609 .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Elizabeth Huckins at elizabeth.huckins@state.mn.us .

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us .

About Health Department

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.