Laboratory Scientist 1 (Molecular Section)

What We Do

Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!

As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans. The Molecular Diagnostics & Sequencing section performs PCR-based assays and DNA sequencing to detect, identify, and characterize infectious agents in animal specimens.





What You’ll Do

No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio.

This Position Is Responsible For

• Receives test specimens (e.g. tissue, fluids, swabs etc.) & prepares specimens for nucleic acid extraction using automatic instruments and/or manual commercial kits, does pathogen identification by PCR, DNA sequencing or other diagnostic tests
• Understands theory & techniques of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, disposes of materials utilizing appropriate decontamination procedures
• Playing supporting role for supervisors and other higher-level scientists to performs tests requiring specialized knowledge, training & judgment within Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) Molecular Diagnostics and Sequencing Section (e.g., primers/probes design, conventional and real-time PCR, DNA sequencing including Sanger and next generation sequencing)
• Under direction of higher level Laboratory Scientist, manages and orders primers/probes, consumables, reagents
• Manage inventories and long term storage samples in Molecular section
• Work schedule may include Saturdays
• Orders reagents and consumables and maintains the inventory system in Molecular & Sequencing Section
• Maintains laboratory record system (e.g. initial sample identification, log in, transfer of ID through test system)
• Prepares & maintains various test reagents & plastic ware for laboratory use
• Appropriates & maintains in-house control samples
• Notifies supervisor of present or potential problems or trends observed with control chart data
• Provide support to supervisors and other higher level scientists to conduct research and new assay development/validation
• Provides training to interns, internal and external personnel
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Playing supporting role for supervisors and other higher-level scientists to carries out QA/QC related activities
  
  

This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.

We Support Diversity And Inclusion

ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.

What’s In It For You

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.
  
  

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are free after one year of continuous service.
  
  

Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave
  
  

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.
  
  

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.
  
  

Maternity Benefits

• Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.
• Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include:
• Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.
• Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).
• Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.
• Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.
• Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.
• Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits.
• Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third-party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers.
  
  

30 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.

• Or completion of associate degree in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science; 12 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.
• Or completion of undergraduate core coursework in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science.
• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
  
  

Organization

Agriculture

Agency Contact Name and Information

Ryan Gunter, Ryan.Gunter@agri.ohio.gov

Unposting Date

Jan 23, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

Work Location

Bromfield Building

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Licking County-Reynoldsburg

Compensation

$24.16-$30.55 Based on Qualifications

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours

8AM-5PM, Monday-Friday

Classified Indicator

Classified

Union

OCSEA

Primary Job Skill

Laboratory

Technical Skills

Data Entry, Laboratory, Operational and Administrative Support, Animal Health

Professional Skills

Active Learning, Adaptability, Attention to Detail, Customer Focus, Flexibility

Agency Overview

Competitive salary: $50,253 - $63,544 Annually

Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio!

The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation.

ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch.

You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.