Molecular Scientist

Department InformationThis position requires Colorado Residency to apply.This is a term-limited position and that funding cannot beguaranteed beyond July 31 2026.We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.Be BOLD.....Make a REAL difference . . . and join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play, to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.Our mission… is to advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play.Our vision… is to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.In addition to free parking, access to RTD bus lines, Cherry Creek bike path and flexible working arrangements, click the link below to review additional benefits and perks!!! https://cdphe.colorado.gov/careershttps://www.youtube.com/embed/cdNeqduDSDI?si=Xnr0nL1dYfOttoZX" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen>Description Of JobThe Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response (DCPHR) is the department’s lead surveillance, planning and response arm for public events including communicable disease outbreaks and epidemics, pandemics, bioterrorism, and other public health and mass casualty events and disasters. The division includes the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response; State Public Health Laboratory; Health Equity Branch, Communicable Disease Branch; Immunization Branch; Public Health Informatics, Reporting, Technology Branch; Refugee Branch; and Operations Branch. The Division exists to ensure that the Department has the ability to effectively prepare for, monitor, detect, diagnose, investigate, and nimbly respond to all types of conditions, events and disasters that impact the public’s health.The UnitThe Genomic Surveillance Program performs analytical testing of clinical, animal, and environmental specimens using current culture, molecular, and NGS biological methods. The program exists to ensure timely, accurate test results in support of environmental monitoring, patient diagnosis/management, and epidemiological investigations of communicable disease outbreaks. The wastewater detection group within the genomic surveillance program exists to provide accurate data and test results in regards to detection, identification, and typing of microorganisms of public health importance/concern in environmental specimens. Further, it contributes to routine sentinel surveillance testing to provide regional aggregate data to the CDC and local public health departments. The wastewater detection unit also supports other programs within CDPHE, as well as other units within the Genomic Surveillance Program by maintaining competencies to ensure increased testing capacity is consistently supported and scalable to meet public health demandWhat You Will Be DoingThe purpose of this position is to conduct high-complexity testing and analyses of specimens for the detection, identification, and typing of microorganisms of public health importance and concern within the clinical and surveillance specimens. Utilizes conventional and molecular testing for the identification of pathogenic microorganisms in surveillance specimens according to existing methodologies. This position is responsible for ensuring that specimens are handled and processed following established procedures and that results are generated and reported within the required turnaround time.Analytical TestingThe Physical Scientist/Researcher Scientist I, within the genomic surveillance program, is expected to apply microbiological and molecular knowledge to perform analytical testing techniques to identify pathogenic microorganisms in clinical and surveillance specimens. Duties are performed according to established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the guidance of the unit supervisor and genomic surveillance program manager. This position is responsible for independent assay development, troubleshooting, as well as assay verification, validation, and optimization with some oversight from the supervisor or program manager. This position facilitates the execution of the assays, and perform initial review of assay results. Analytical testing duties include successful performance of high-complexity analytical testing, ensuring that all quality requirements and parameters are met in order to maintain regulatory compliance. Duties include thorough and complete documentation of all testing activities (according to SOPs), review of results and quality results to evaluate assay acceptance criteria, and efficient reporting of deviations to established methods. Analytical testing duties also include effective communication with submitters and/or CDPHE partners in order to resolve specimen inquiries or questions and facilitate specimen testing.General Laboratory DutiesThis position independently performs laboratory duties to support general laboratory operations within the genomic surveillance program. Duties include required equipment and environmental monitoring and general laboratory cleaning and decontamination procedures. This requires the completion of instrument calibration and decontamination logs. This position is also responsible for restocking departmental and work unit areas to facilitate efficient activities, as well as participation (as required) in monthly environmental monitoring to evaluate contamination risk within the workspaces.Quality Assurance/Quality ControlThis position participates in writing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the work unit with supervision by the unit supervisor. This position is responsible for notifying the unit supervisor and making any required edits to already established standard operating procedures. This position ensures that all quality assurance and quality control measures are completed according to the quality program at the Colorado State Public Health Laboratory.Residency RequirementMinimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal RightsThis posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.Minimum QualificationsOption 1Five (5) years of professional experience* in biology, method development and validation, laboratory work, chemistry, or closely related fields;OROption 2Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree** in biology, , biochemistry, chemistry, or closely-related science degree will substitute on a year-for-year basis;ANDOne (1) year of professional experience* biology, method development and validation, laboratory work, chemistry, or closely related fields;OROption 3A master’s degree** in biology, biochemistry, chemistry or closely-related science degree will substitute on a year-for-year basis;• This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.• A copy of your transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Late transcripts will not be accepted.Preferred Qualifications And Essential CompetenciesThe preferred experience, competencies and abilities are highly desirable for this position and will be considered in selecting the successful candidate:Method Development and Validation: Demonstrated expertise in conducting method development and validation studies, including experience with troubleshooting existing methodologies, developing method validation plans, and creating standard operating procedures (SOPs).Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements and compliance standards in the context of laboratory testing, particularly as they pertain to public health and safety.• Relevant years of State service• Technical Skills: Proficiency in handling and manipulating hazardous chemicals and high-pressure gases, as well as operating, calibrating, and maintaining analytical equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis.• Collaboration and Training: Ability to work effectively in a team environment, demonstrated experience in advising and training other team members, and active participation in collaborative problem-solving initiatives.• Analytical Skills: Ability to perform and interpret complex scientific analyses accurately and efficiently, with attention to detail and adherence to quality assurance requirements.• Adaptability: Capacity to adapt to new technologies, methodologies, and procedures in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.• Problem-Solving: Proven ability to identify and address analytical trends, troubleshoot issues, and resolve challenges related to sample analyses and laboratory operations.• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey technical information and provide scientific consultation and recommendations to team members and stakeholders.• Organizational Skills: Capacity to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain accurate and well-documented records to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.• Commitment to Safety: Dedication to maintaining a safe laboratory environment, including the proper handling of hazardous chemicals and adherence to safety protocols.Conditions of Employment:• Pursuant to CDPHE policy, a criminal history background check is required for all positions at CDPHE• Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.• Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.• Ability to travel alone to conferences, continuing education/training, work group participation on a quarterly bases.Appeal Rights: An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules .Supplemental InformationA Complete Application Packet Must Include• A completed State of Colorado application.• If using education to qualify, a copy of your college/university transcripts. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.The Selection Process• All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.• Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.• Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.• A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.E-Verify: CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify , including your rights and responsibilities.You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.ADAAA AccommodationsThe State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Dan McKenna, at daniel.mckenna@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.