Laboratory Scientist 2

Laboratory Scientist 2 - Virology (250001US)

Laboratory Scientist 2 - Virology

(250001US)

Organization: Agriculture

Agency Contact Name and Information: ...

Unposting Date: Apr 21, 2025, 9:59:00 PM

Work Location: Bromfield Building NO ADDRESS Reynoldsburg 43068-3399

Primary Location: United States of America-OHIO-Licking County-Reynoldsburg

Compensation: $26.72 - $35.31

Schedule: Full-time

Classified Indicator: Classified

Union: OCSEA

Primary Job Skill: Laboratory

Technical Skills: Data Analytics, Data Entry, Regulatory Compliance, Testing Procedures, Public Health

Professional Skills: Analyzation, Attention to Detail, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Written Communication

Agency Overview

Competitive Salary: $55,578 - $73,445 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.

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 Ohio Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory provides veterinary diagnostic services to Ohio's veterinarians and livestock producers.

Describe the job duties here in plain language. Focus on the most important aspects of the role.

Job Description

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:

Performs virological, serological, microbiological, and molecular assays, requiring specialized knowledge, training & judgment within the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) (e.g., virus isolation, virus/serum neutralization, electron microscopy, cell culture, ELISA, PCR)

Performs testing to support the bull stud industry in Ohio, including virus isolation and virus neutralization testing

Performs testing to support the surveillance of Chronic Wasting Disease in Ohio

Performs investigations for unusual or unidentified viruses using virus isolation and electron microscopy

Regularly maintains cell lines of animal origin, including quality control, and check for permeability for the virus to be isolated

Prepares specimens & follows standard operating protocols to perform various diagnostic assays

Participates in proficiency tests for national disease surveillance programs (e.g., Viral hemorrhagic Septicemia virus [VHSV], Spring Viraemia of Carp virus [SVCV])

Validates/verifies new assays

Writes SOPs and scientific reports

Participate in on-call rotation with other lab staff

Maintains laboratory record system (e.g. initial sample identification, log in, transfer of ID through test system, & reporting of results)

Maintains accurate & complete laboratory records

Receives test specimens

Logs in & enters sample identification & test requirements into laboratory information management system (LIMS)

Participates in the laboratory's biosafety and Quality Management System

Enters results on proper forms & produces final reports

Assists Veterinary Virologist in development & validation of new test methods, evaluation & interpretation of test results for identification of viruses & other microorganisms

Disposes of biological material with appropriate decontamination procedures

Appropriates & maintains control & reference materials for each virology assay

Orders & maintains adequate inventory of reagents & other laboratory supplies for molecular diagnostics

Carries out laboratory safety related activities

Participates in outreach 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 DEI 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.

Why Work for the State of Ohio

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

Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period

Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year

Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave

Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)

Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following:

42 months of laboratory experience related to the job duties listed above

Completion of undergraduate core coursework in biological, chemical, natural, or physical science AND 12 months of related laboratory experience

Completion of a Master of Science core program in biological, chemical, natural, or physical science.

12 months of experience as a Laboratory Scientist 1 with the State of Ohio (Job Code: 83291)

An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined above will be considered

Supplemental Information

If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter.

Unusual Working Conditions:

Exposed to biofluids & tissue, sharps, caustic or toxic chemicals, &/or explosives; may work varying hours.

The selected candidate for this position will be required to submit to vaccinations or show proof of vaccination upon selection.

For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact:

Paul Hengstenberg

...

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). The recommended candidate for this position may be required to take a drug screen as part of their approval process. A candidate who tests positive for illegal or improperly used controlled drugs will not be hired.

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug-Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.