Public Health Laboratory Scientist III

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4/18/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

26-01718

Public Health Laboratory Scientist III

Pay Grade 15

Salary

$47,531.28 - $71,298.00 Annually

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

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Hiring Agency

Cabinet for Health & Family Services | Department for Public Health

Location

100 Sower Boulevard

Suite 204

Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Description

The Department for Public Health, Division of Laboratory Services, Microbiology Branch, is dedicated to improving the health and safety of Kentucky citizens through prevention, promotion, and protection. The Public Health Laboratory Scientist III position provides the individual with the opportunity to perform critical, life-saving testing for various viral and bacterial diseases. The Branch works with submitting facilities across the state to ensure requested and mandated testing services are provided to all citizens living in the Commonwealth.

The Division strives to allow individuals to enhance their laboratory skills through advanced trainings in state–of-the-art technologies. The Virology Section of the Microbiology Branch is responsible for providing testing for the approximately 5,000 specimens received each month. This testing allows for treatment to begin as soon as possible in the affected individuals' lives, thereby eliminating or reducing the effects of the infections, which could include permanent physical and mental disability or death. We offer generous vacation and sick leave, health insurance, professional development and training, and participation in our state retirement plan.

The Division is seeking a Public Health Laboratory Scientist III to perform enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, and animal necropsies for the submitting facilities in Kentucky. This individual will work with our state partners, such as the Division of Epidemiology, 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:

• Gains and maintains knowledge concerning testing for infectious viral diseases and the associated pathogens
• Performs routine and complex testing and analysis, including molecular testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Performs Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (EIA)
• Performs animal necropsies on rabies suspect specimens
• Performs automated immunoassays for viral or bacterial diagnoses
• Performs testing for after-hours, holiday, and weekend coverage for public health events and incidents
• Compiles monthly reports and keeps them up to date
• Collects data and monitors quality assurance metrics
• Ensures compliance with and enforcement of accreditation program standards
• Collects and reports data to be used for departmental research that improves public health practices
  
  

Qualifications And Skills

• Ability and desire to learn quickly
• Thorough knowledge of polymerase chain reaction testing
• Understanding of application and use of immunoassays
• Understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, and other similar products
• Computer literacy
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to work with others: motivates, delegates, and mediates
• Adhere to confidentiality requirements (HIPAA)
  
  

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in U.S. CHFS will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that CHFS has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or https://www.e-verify.gov/ .

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: Three years of professional laboratory work conducting laboratory testing.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Certification as a Medical Technologist or a Medical Laboratory Scientist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology will substitute for one year of experience OR master's degree in medical laboratory science, medical technology, chemistry, any biological, physical, or agricultural science, including microbiology, virology, immunology, bacteriology, histology, molecular microbiology or a related field will substitute for one year of experience.

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 Teresa Fields at Teresa.Fields@ky.gov or 502-782-7718.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D