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Public Health Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perform activities of a full service BSL-3 certified public health laboratory, including clinical and/or environmental testing; plans, develops and coordinates public health laboratory services and ...

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Public Health Laboratory information

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How much do public health laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for public health laboratory in the United States is $35.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $47.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public health laboratory?

A public health laboratory is a specialized facility that conducts testing, research, and analysis to support the detection, prevention, and control of diseases that affect communities. These laboratories perform a wide range of functions, including testing for infectious diseases, monitoring environmental hazards, and supporting outbreak investigations. They play a crucial role in protecting public health by providing timely and accurate information to health officials, healthcare providers, and the public. Public health laboratories often collaborate with other health agencies to respond to emergencies such as disease outbreaks or bioterrorism threats.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a Public Health Laboratory, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Public Health Laboratories often face challenges such as managing a high volume of testing during disease outbreaks, ensuring strict adherence to safety and quality protocols, and staying current with rapidly evolving diagnostic technologies. Effective communication within multidisciplinary teams is critical to coordinate responses and share timely results. Ongoing training, clear standard operating procedures, and strong collaboration with public health agencies help mitigate these challenges and ensure laboratory operations run smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Health Laboratory Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Health Laboratory Scientist, you need a solid background in microbiology, chemistry, or related sciences, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), molecular diagnostic tools, and certifications like ASCP are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills are vital for accurate testing and reporting. These skills are crucial for ensuring public safety, rapid disease detection, and effective response to health threats.
More about Public Health Laboratory jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Health Laboratory jobs? Cities with the most Public Health Laboratory job openings:
What states have the most Public Health Laboratory jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Health Laboratory jobs include:
Public Health Laboratory Director

Public Health Laboratory Director

State of Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$8K - $16K/mo

Other

Posted 3 days ago


State Of Louisiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 50 rated states


Job description

About this Job The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana. Learn more about the Louisiana Department of Health The goal of the Office of Public Health Laboratory is to protect the health and safety of the citizens and visitors to the State of Louisiana by providing accurate and timely laboratory data to state officials, public health programs, and citizens of the state. The Laboratory Director is crucial to meeting this goal by providing executive direction over all administrative and scientific functions of a statewide public health laboratory system and serves as a laboratory science advisor to higher-level officials within the Louisiana Office of Public Health and the Louisiana Department of Health.

Minimum Qualifications Three years of the required experience for the following minimum qualification must have been at the supervisory level or above: A doctorate degree in a biological, environmental, or chemical science plus five years of experience in a biological laboratory, chemical laboratory or environmental laboratory. SPECIAL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check and/or security clearance, including but not limited to those required for the Federal Select Agent Program and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners license requirements. CLINICAL TESTING POSITIONS: For positions which involve processing and analysis of human specimens and/or the generation or interpretation of laboratory results that may be used in the diagnosis or treatment of a disease or condition in humans, the incumbent must have a current license to practice as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Generalist (CLS-G) or a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Specialist (CLS-S) issued by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME).

A temporary license to practice as a CLS-G or a CLS-S issued by the LSBME shall fulfill this requirement only for the limited time granted by the LSBME. The incumbent is required to satisfy the requirements for a CLS-G or CLS-S permanent license prior to the expiration of the temporary license. Job Specification The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties and Other Information Job Duties: Provides executive direction of a statewide public health laboratory system Oversees scientific and technical aspects of the laboratory system Ensures absolute adherence to federal regulations mandated by CMS (CLIA standards), the FDA, EPA, USDA, and CDC Provides direction of personnel functions within the laboratory; recommends hiring, termination, promotion, and reallocation or personnel within the laboratory system Reviews and sets budget priorities to optimize public health infrastructure and diagnostic capabilities Consults with Louisiana Office of Public Health and Louisiana Department of Health executives, medical directors, program managers, regional administrators, medical professionals regarding public health laboratory issues and services; interacts with other state agencies, local officials, and the general public Position-Specific Details: Location: Office of Public Health / Center for Environmental Health / East Baton Rouge Parish Appointment Type: This position may be filled as a Probationary or a Promotional appointment Cost Center: 3262107400 Position Number(s): 63906 How To Apply: No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy. To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process.

Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. * Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections

Applications may be rejected if incomplete. For information on how to check your application status and understand status updates, please click HERE. Contact Information: Paul Tran Paul.Tran3@la.gov LA Department of Health (LDH) Division of Human Resources PO Box 4818 Baton Rouge, LA 70821 225-342-6477 This organization participates in E-Verify, and for more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218

LDH supports Louisiana's commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, is available here. LDH is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit a highly productive and diverse workforce, and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees.

Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.


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About State of Louisiana

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Louisiana, based in Baton Rouge, LA, US, is not a traditional company per se, but a government body that oversees the administration of the state. As revealed on its official website, louisiana.gov, its wide range of services falls within public administration industry, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, environment conservation, and law enforcement. Founded in 1806, the State of Louisiana’s mission is to ensure a high quality of life for its residents by effectively managing public resources, enforcing laws, and fostering economic growth. Its most notable achievements include the successful implementation of its Coastal Master Plan, aimed at conserving Louisiana's extensive coastline, and the dramatic overhaul of its public education system.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1812

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