Bioterrorism Preparedness Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GRADE
21
LOCATION OF POSITION
MDH, Laboratory Administration, Baltimore, MD
Main Purpose of Job
This position will function as a Lead Public Health Laboratory Scientist in the Division of Molecular Biology: Molecular Diagnostics/Bioterrorism (BT) Program, leading subordinate Public Health Laboratory Scientist(s), assigning duties, and reviewing their work. Responsibilities include conducting specialized molecular biology-based procedures and assays (i.e., Laboratory Response Network (LRN) assays) under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) and Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) conditions; interpreting and reporting results from clinical, environmental, and animal specimens/samples submitted to the Maryland Department of Health Laboratories Administration for the detection of bacterial and viral infectious agents, including those potentially used in acts of bioterrorism. This position also interprets and reports test results to epidemiologists and submitters and assists the Molecular Diagnostics Supervisor in implementing and sustaining new workflows while supporting and improving existing laboratory processes and quality assurance procedures. This work aligns with the Laboratories Administration's mission to provide high-quality public health laboratory services that promote, protect, and preserve the health and well-being of Maryland residents from communicable and infectious diseases. Testing is conducted in collaboration with federal programs, including the Emerging Infectious Disease Program (EIP), Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Program, Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (PHEPR), and the CDC Federal Homeland Security Grant.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: 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: Three years of experience working in a chemistry laboratory performing analytical tests on environmental, biological or multi-matrix samples; or three years of experience working in a medical or public health laboratory performing diagnostic or public health testing on human specimens.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute additional graduate education at an accredited college or university at the rate of 30 credit hours in the above noted disciplines for each year of the required experience for up to two years of the required experience.
2. 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 experience and education.
SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS
The selected candidate must possess one (1) year of experience working in a clinical molecular laboratory (involving, but not limited to: molecular testing using either PCR or rt-PCR).
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The desired candidate should possess the following:

• Experience working in a BSL-3 laboratory and troubleshooting technical problems
• Experience evaluating new laboratory testing procedures, SOPM preparation, and requisition & procurement
• Experience with LRN (Laboratory Response Network) and BT (Bioterrorism) workflows
• Experience working in a CLIA regulatory laboratory

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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.
SELECTION PROCESS
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.
Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.
BENEFITS
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.
If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information 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.
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.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.