Job Description

What You’ll Do:

No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio. The Division of Animal Health is charged with protecting and promoting the health of Ohio's livestock and poultry industries. The Molecular Diagnostics section offers PCR testing and DNA sequencing analysis for screening, diagnosis or confirmation of infectious agents.

This position is responsible for:

• Performs tests requiring specialized knowledge, training & judgment within Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) (e.g., PCR, DNA sequencing, VI, VN, CF, MAT, HI, AGID & ELISA testing systems)

• Receives test specimens (e.g. tissue, fluids, swabs) & prepares them for bacterial/fungal culture (e.g. inoculates prepared materials onto or into proper media) and virus isolation and neutralization using tissue culture inoculation techniques and bacterial/fungal culture

• Maintains proper culture environment to support microbial growth (e.g. time, temperature)

• Prepares specimens for pathogen identification by PCR, DNA sequencing, FA, electron microscopy or other diagnostic tests

• Understands theory & techniques of bioinformatics, sera & virus titration, nutritional media & cell concentrations

• Disposes of materials utilizing appropriate decontamination procedures

• Reads plates, selects & inoculates appropriate bio-chemicals, interprets findings, establishes final organism identification

• Maintains laboratory record system (e.g. initial sample identification, log in, transfer of ID through test system, & final evaluation of results onto proper regulatory forms)

• Maintains inventory control for assigned areas

• Prepares & maintains various media test reagents & glassware for laboratory use

• Appropriates & maintains in-house control samples

• Notifies supervisor of present or potential problems or trends observed with control chart data

• Conducts research and new assay development/validation, writes scientific report and SOPs

• Provides training to lower-level scientists and internal and external personnel

• Carries out QA/QC related activities

• Records quality control results & prepares control charts

• Performs other duties as assigned

This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Barg aining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of DEI principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are: respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.

What’s in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are free after one year of continuous service.

Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Maternity Benefits

• Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.

• Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include:

o Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.

o Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).

o Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.

o Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.

o Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.

• Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits.

• Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third-party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

• Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

42 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.

• Or completion of undergraduate core coursework in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science; 12 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.

• Or completion of Master of Science core program in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science.

• Or 12 months experience as Laboratory Scientist 1, 83291.

• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter.

Unusual Working Conditions :
Exposed to biofluids & tissue, sharps, caustic or toxic chemicals, &/or explosives; may work varying hours.

For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact:

Ryan Gunter

[email protected]

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). The recommended candidate for this position may be required to take a drug screen as part of their approval process. A candidate who tests positive for illegal or improperly used controlled drugs will not be hired.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs