Biological scientist Jobs in USA

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH):

The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.

Role Overview:

The selected rabies and biological preparedness laboratory supervisor is responsible for overseeing, managing, and maintaining competency in both of the physical rabies and biothreat laboratory at the IDOH Laboratory located in Indianapolis, IN. These laboratory areas are ISO 17025 or CLIA accredited and are responsible for performing molecular testing on rabies, pathogens of high consequence (such as bacillus anthracis) and their corresponding outbreak response. This individual will be required to maintain vaccination status and perform testing when needed. This will involve performing animal necropsy as well as working in a BSL-3 environment with pathogens of high consequence. This will require adjusting work schedules when deemed necessary.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Monitor, assign, and coordinate the work of employees, provides technical assistance to establish continuity in staff responsibilities.
• Provide laboratory services to agency staff, local health departments, other state and federal agencies.
• Establish and incorporate division standards and policies ensuring subordinates follow all requirements for quality control adherence.
• Critically review the analytical process from the time the sample is received until the result is forwarded to the submitter
• Ensure that all necessary quality control (QC) is performed appropriately for the various tests.
• Oversee the evaluation, development, validation, and implementation of new testing methods used in clinical/reference laboratory work, as well as preparation of validation documents and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Responsible for ensuring that new staff microbiologists are adequately trained.
• Ensure staff are aware of federal and state requirements for laboratory work (e.g. Blood Borne Pathogen--BBP, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act—CLIA).
• Compile monthly and annual reports to make informed decisions for future resource needs.
• Direct and conduct research on new testing protocols and ensures that all necessary steps are followed for proper test validation.
• May be required to appear in court as a witness for any analytical work supervised.
• Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
• Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Broad knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of Microbiology; Molecular Biology and related sub-specialties.
• Broad knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health laboratory issues.
• Broad knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technical equipment, complex scientific apparatus, and automated techniques of analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles.
• Thorough knowledge of any applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies concerning program areas.
• Extensive knowledge of laboratory procedures, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), proficiency testing and validation requirements.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information both verbally and in writing
• Broad understanding of programmatically responsible laboratory equipment and how to troubleshoot when data is questionable.
• Ability to interpret and explain laboratory results to individuals with varied knowledge of the testing process.
• Broad knowledge of laboratory safety standards and procedures to maintain a safely operating laboratory environment.
• Ability to track use of laboratory supplies and research avenues to provide high quality services for the least cost to the agency.
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.

A Bachelor’s degree in a biological, chemical, or physical science, with a minimum of 3 years of testing experience and at least two (2) years of supervisory experience in an accredited or certified testing laboratory.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.