What are the responsibilities and job description for the PH LABORATORY SCIENTIST 4 - 05262026-77915 position at Tennessee Department of Health?
Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Opening Date/Time 05/26/2026 12:00AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time 06/08/2026 11:59PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly) $5,100.00 - $6,373.00
Salary (Annually) $61,200.00 - $76,476.00
Job Type Full-Time
City, State Location Nashville, TN
Department Health
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DAVIDSON COUNTY
A transcript with ALL credits is required (PDF encouraged) to be uploaded with an employment application in order to properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification. Microbiology coursework strongly preferred. This position is located at the Division of Laboratory Services in Nashville, TN
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Sciences or related field of study from an accredited college or university, at least four years of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience in a related field study; OR successful completion of a two-year from an accredited medical laboratory technician program and at least four years of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience in a related field study; OR meet CLIA Testing Personnel Qualification Category set forth in federal CMS regulations 42 CFR 493.1489 and at least four years of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience in a related field study.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license throughout the duration of employment.
Substitution of Education for Experience: Undergraduate and graduate course work received from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for the required education and experience on a year-to-year basis to a maximum of one year (e.g., 24 graduate semester hours or 36 graduate quarter hours in a related field may substitute for education and/or one year of the required experience). A transcript with ALL credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order for the agency to properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification.
Overview
The PH Laboratory Scientist 4 assists with technical and non-technical laboratory, operational, and administrative activities in the TDH Division of Laboratory Services. Under general supervision of a PH Laboratory Manager or Director, the incumbent serves as Lead Scientist responsible for leading, coordinating, and conducting laboratory testing and operations of average difficulty, including but not limited to performing all phases of laboratory testing, training personnel, coordinating and participating in public health projects, and performing data analysis and interpretation. This position performs advanced technical and instructional work with advanced lead responsibilities that are broader in scope and more complex than PH Laboratory Scientist 1-3 positions.
Responsibilities
State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:
State of Tennessee Job Information
Opening Date/Time 05/26/2026 12:00AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time 06/08/2026 11:59PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly) $5,100.00 - $6,373.00
Salary (Annually) $61,200.00 - $76,476.00
Job Type Full-Time
City, State Location Nashville, TN
Department Health
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DAVIDSON COUNTY
A transcript with ALL credits is required (PDF encouraged) to be uploaded with an employment application in order to properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification. Microbiology coursework strongly preferred. This position is located at the Division of Laboratory Services in Nashville, TN
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Sciences or related field of study from an accredited college or university, at least four years of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience in a related field study; OR successful completion of a two-year from an accredited medical laboratory technician program and at least four years of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience in a related field study; OR meet CLIA Testing Personnel Qualification Category set forth in federal CMS regulations 42 CFR 493.1489 and at least four years of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience in a related field study.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license throughout the duration of employment.
Substitution of Education for Experience: Undergraduate and graduate course work received from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for the required education and experience on a year-to-year basis to a maximum of one year (e.g., 24 graduate semester hours or 36 graduate quarter hours in a related field may substitute for education and/or one year of the required experience). A transcript with ALL credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order for the agency to properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification.
Overview
The PH Laboratory Scientist 4 assists with technical and non-technical laboratory, operational, and administrative activities in the TDH Division of Laboratory Services. Under general supervision of a PH Laboratory Manager or Director, the incumbent serves as Lead Scientist responsible for leading, coordinating, and conducting laboratory testing and operations of average difficulty, including but not limited to performing all phases of laboratory testing, training personnel, coordinating and participating in public health projects, and performing data analysis and interpretation. This position performs advanced technical and instructional work with advanced lead responsibilities that are broader in scope and more complex than PH Laboratory Scientist 1-3 positions.
Responsibilities
- Serves as the Lead Scientist for Bioterrorism work unit
- Responsible for advanced laboratory work of complex difficulty, as it relates to microbiological and/or molecular testing.
- Provide On-Call coverage 24/7 (Cover BT 24/7 on call in BT Coordinator's absence).
- Processing/testing of all sample types (environmental, human clinical, bacteriological, food) that are received for analysis in the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) BSL3 laboratory.
- Monitor/perform daily, weekly, monthly, and annual QC as required.
- Assist with federal inspection readiness.
- Ability to pass FBI background check, respirator medical clearance and work in Biological Safety Level 3 (BSL3) laboratory.
- Perform validations and verifications as required.
- Assist with LRN workshops, Hazmat training, and other trainings as assigned.
- Assist BT Coordinator with other tasks as required
- Manages Complexity
- Manages Ambiguity
- Action Oriented
- Directs Work
- Communicates Effectively
- Sciences
- Information Technology
- Clerical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Active Learning and Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Learning Strategies
- Quality Control Analysis
- Deductive Reasoning
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Speech Clarity
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- General Lab Equipment
- Lab Section Specialized Equipment
- Autoclaves
- Microscopes
- Computers
State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:
- A valid driver's license
- For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.
- Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.
Salary : $61,200 - $76,476