What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Health Lab Scientist-in-Training position at Commonwealth of Kentucky?
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4/12/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
26-01633
Public Health Lab Scientist-in-Training
Pay Grade 12
Salary
$35,712.48 - $53,568.48 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Cabinet for Health & Family Services | Department for Public Health
Location
100 Sower Boulevard
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Description
The Department for Public Health, Division of Laboratory Services, Newborn Screening Branch is dedicated to improving the health and safety of Kentucky newborns through prevention, promotion, and protection. This Laboratory Scientist-In-Training position allows the individual to learn to perform critical, life-saving testing of inborn errors of metabolism. The Branch works with birthing facilities across the state to ensure mandated testing services are provided to all Kentucky-born newborns. The Division strives to allow individuals to enhance their laboratory skills through advanced training in state-of-the-art technologies and provides opportunities for advancement through the laboratory career ladder.
The Metabolic Chemistry Section of the Molecular and Clinical Chemistry Branch is responsible for testing approximately 50,000 babies born in Kentucky each year. This testing allows for treatment to begin as soon as possible in the affected infants’ lives, thereby eliminating or reducing the devastating effects of the screened disorders, which could include permanent physical and/or mental disability or death. This position is in the office and does not offer a hybrid schedule. The work schedule is Tuesday- Saturday, 8-4:30 PM.
The Division is seeking a Laboratory Scientist-In-Training to learn to perform tandem mass spectrometry, real- time polymerase chain reaction, and DNA mutation analyses for the KY Newborn Screening Program. This individual will work with our state partners, such as the Division of Maternal and Child Health, and our federal partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The candidate for this position needs to be a fast learner, enthusiastic, motivated to do an excellent job, eager to improve systems, and willing to keep the team informed of issues. The successful candidate must be professional, polite, detail-oriented, and familiar with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Responsibilities and Duties include but are not limited to the following:
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, biology, chemistry, microbiology, medical technology, zoology, forensics science, animal science, biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, health science, biomedical engineering, environmental biology, ecology, pre-med studies, agricultural engineering, bacteriology, biochemistry, physics, biophysics, dairy science, genetics, pathology, veterinary medicine, histology or a related field.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE
Working Conditions
Work is typically performed in a laboratory setting. May be exposed to potential hazards related to laboratory conditions and supplies which may require the following of safety precautions.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Amy Smith at AmyC.Smith@ky.gov or 502-782-7747.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
4/12/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
26-01633
Public Health Lab Scientist-in-Training
Pay Grade 12
Salary
$35,712.48 - $53,568.48 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Cabinet for Health & Family Services | Department for Public Health
Location
100 Sower Boulevard
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Description
The Department for Public Health, Division of Laboratory Services, Newborn Screening Branch is dedicated to improving the health and safety of Kentucky newborns through prevention, promotion, and protection. This Laboratory Scientist-In-Training position allows the individual to learn to perform critical, life-saving testing of inborn errors of metabolism. The Branch works with birthing facilities across the state to ensure mandated testing services are provided to all Kentucky-born newborns. The Division strives to allow individuals to enhance their laboratory skills through advanced training in state-of-the-art technologies and provides opportunities for advancement through the laboratory career ladder.
The Metabolic Chemistry Section of the Molecular and Clinical Chemistry Branch is responsible for testing approximately 50,000 babies born in Kentucky each year. This testing allows for treatment to begin as soon as possible in the affected infants’ lives, thereby eliminating or reducing the devastating effects of the screened disorders, which could include permanent physical and/or mental disability or death. This position is in the office and does not offer a hybrid schedule. The work schedule is Tuesday- Saturday, 8-4:30 PM.
The Division is seeking a Laboratory Scientist-In-Training to learn to perform tandem mass spectrometry, real- time polymerase chain reaction, and DNA mutation analyses for the KY Newborn Screening Program. This individual will work with our state partners, such as the Division of Maternal and Child Health, and our federal partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The candidate for this position needs to be a fast learner, enthusiastic, motivated to do an excellent job, eager to improve systems, and willing to keep the team informed of issues. The successful candidate must be professional, polite, detail-oriented, and familiar with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Responsibilities and Duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Gain and maintain knowledge concerning testing for inborn errors of metabolism, in which state-of-the-art technology is used to detect genetic disorders in newborns before they exhibit symptoms.
- Learn to perform Tandem mass spectrometry.
- Learn to perform testing and analysis, including automated molecular testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Learn to perform DNA mutation analysis.
- Learn to perform automated immunoassays for Newborn Screening.
- Perform testing for after hours, holiday and weekend coverage for public health events and incidents
- Ability and desire to learn quickly.
- Understanding of application and use of immunoassays and other routine scientific assays.
- Understanding of Microsoft Word and Excel,
- Computer literacy.
- Strong written and verbal communication.
- Ability to work with others.
- Adhere to confidentiality requirements (HIPAA).
- Self-starter with the initiative to problem-solve scientific and instrument issues.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, biology, chemistry, microbiology, medical technology, zoology, forensics science, animal science, biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, health science, biomedical engineering, environmental biology, ecology, pre-med studies, agricultural engineering, bacteriology, biochemistry, physics, biophysics, dairy science, genetics, pathology, veterinary medicine, histology or a related field.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE
Working Conditions
Work is typically performed in a laboratory setting. May be exposed to potential hazards related to laboratory conditions and supplies which may require the following of safety precautions.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Amy Smith at AmyC.Smith@ky.gov or 502-782-7747.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
Salary : $35,712 - $53,568