The position will function as a Public Health Scientist for the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health Microbiology Unit. The primary purpose of this position is to provide support of scientific and technical leadership within the bacteriology, parasitology, mycology, and mycobacteriology sections in the evaluation, development, optimization, validation, and implementation of FDA-cleared and “laboratory developed tests” (LDTs), new methods and procedures. This position is responsible for the evaluation and implementation of advanced identification methods including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods. In addition, this position will evaluate, validate, and implement Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) methods focusing on specialized multiplex real-time PCR and next generation sequencing (NGS) assays to rapidly detect and characterize pathogens associated with human disease. This position will perform established RT-PCR assays and WGS (whole-genome sequencing) for the detection and characterization of disease-causing agents, including SARS-CoV-2. This position will also work with sequencing and bioinformatics colleagues in the development, evaluation, and implementation of molecular tools to identify, group, type, and sub-type these agents, including SARS-Co-V2. This position will assist in additional COVID-19 laboratory response activities as assigned. This position will perform and document work in accordance with NCSLPH Quality Assurance guidelines and CLIA ‘88 (Clinical Laboratory Improvement) rules and regulations. This position will assist the Microbiology Unit manager by supporting technical planning, project management, monitoring of deliverables, and providing staff trainings. This position is responsible for conducting routine biosafety risk assessments and developing risk mitigating strategies to safely handle bacterial or fungal threats using BSL2 (biosafety level 2), BSL2 , and BSL3 work practices and facilities.

Work is performed at BSL2, BSL2 , and BSL3 levels using proper containment techniques and personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Surge capacity response during viral, bacterial, and/or fungal public health disease clusters, outbreaks, and/or pandemics is required. Work may require extended work hours to include weekends and/or holidays during public health emergencies and/or routine specimen processing.

The NC Division of Public Health (DPH) works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina – Everywhere, Everyday, Everybody.

The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) provides an array of services including Laboratory Testing, Training/Consultation and Certification. The NCSLPH provides more than 125 clinical laboratory tests and more than 65 environmental laboratory tests to the public and private medical health care system in North Carolina and performs over 6 million tests annually on human, animal, food, water, and agricultural samples. Additionally, NCSLPH provides training and consultation for local health departments, hospitals, commercial laboratories, private health care professionals, community-based organizations and state and regional staff from the NC Division of Public Health (DPH) and other state and regional agencies. 

A staff of over 200 employees make up the organization units which include Administration, Bioterrorism and Emerging Pathogens (BTEP), Chemical Terrorism and Threat, Environmental Sciences, Laboratory Improvement, Molecular Diagnostics & Epidemiology, Newborn Screening, Microbiology, and Virology/Serology and is co-located with the Office of Chief Medical in a 220,000-sq. ft. state of the art facility. The NCSLPH has several doctoral level managers and research scientists as well as medical laboratory specialists, medical technologists, chemists, laboratory technicians, and support staff.

The Infectious Diseases Unit (IDU) at the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) is comprised of three primary units containing various laboratories all of which provide testing services to local and state partners as well as to clinical labs for the diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and control of communicable diseases. Collectively, the unit conducts highly complex testing procedures for the detection, identification, and characterization of a wide range of infectious agents from a variety of clinical, reference, and environmental specimens. 

The Microbiology Unit provides clinical and reference microbiological testing for public and private laboratories, as well as for associated partners. This diverse unit performs testing such as organism identification and detection that aids in the diagnosis of foodborne, vaccine-preventable, parasitic, and fungal diseases. Microbiological culture and workups to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and a variety of other pathogens such as Legionella and Neisseria are also performed by this unit. Microbial resistance testing and surveillance methods are also performed within the unit. Results generated from this unit are utilized by a variety of partners for diagnosis, patient management, surveillance, and outbreak investigations. 

We are in Raleigh, NC. According to Forbes, we are ranked as one of the top 20 best places to retire and the 2nd most educated city in the country. US News & World ranks Raleigh among the top 15 places to live in the U.S.

Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience in public or private employment service-related work including experience in a lead, coaching, or mentoring capacity including one year in a supervisory or lead capacity; 

OR

Associate degree and five years of experience in public or private employment service-related work including experience in a lead, coaching, or mentoring capacity including one year in a supervisory or lead capacity;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) selects applicants for employment based on job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, political affiliation or political influence. Pre-Employment criminal background checks are required for some positions.

Division of Public Health (DPH) main locations, including their grounds, are tobacco-free as outlined in the Tobacco-free Campus Policy. All tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, e-hookahs, “vape products” and all smokeless tobacco products, may not be used in the indicated areas. For more information, please see the policy and FAQ posted here: http://publichealth.nc.gov/employees/

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For technical issues with your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627. Applicants will be communicated with via email only for updates on the status of their application. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact HR, 919-707-5450.