Requisition No: 736189
Agency: Department of Health
Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 64857380
Position Number: 64857380
Salary:  $17.00 - $18.06 Hourly
Posting Closing Date: 10/01/2022
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - OPS OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY
Bureau of Public Health Laboratories
Tampa Laboratory
OPS Biological Scientist II
Salary Range - $17.00 - $18.06 Hourly
This is an OPS Position and is considered as TEMPORARY
Your Specific Responsibilities:
This position will be based in Tampa for wastewater testing at Bureau of Public Health Laboratories-Tampa. As part of the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS), the OPS Biological Scientist II will work on wastewater testing for identification of SARS-CoV-2. The surveillance system will eventually be expanded to include other diseases. The responsibilities will include:
Accession specimens - Receive specimens from composite sampling, unpack wastewater specimens received for processing and examine specimen and submittal form to assure accuracy and quality according to established procedures.
Assist in packaging and shipping specimens or other materials to reference laboratories for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).
Process Specimens - Specimen preparation (with homogenization using blending, sonification) and inactivation for biosafety, prepare and aliquot specimens in preparation for the assay.
Perform moderate to high complexity testing , which includes molecular assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids.
Perform sample concentration; addition of bovine coronavirus ( BCoV) as a matrix recovery control; extraction of RNA with methods designed to remove high concentration of environmental inhibitors; and viral quantification by dPCR.
Plan testing in coordination with the laboratory supervisor(s), Biological Scientist III Lead, and other technologists.
Follow protocols without deviation.
Prepare and aliquot reagents.
Assign specimens to a test plate; prepare assay set-up sheets.
Prepare master-mix, aliquot and add templates.
Perform PCR assays including wastewater concentration methods, conventional PCR, RT-PCR and dPCR for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Analyze test results.
Perform tasks and procedures related to quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) in accordance with laboratory policies.
Include appropriate controls in each assay.
Maintain a log of control data, lot numbers, etc., to ascertain changes in test performance and perform analysis of QA data.
Perform routine equipment function monitoring as directed.
Perform routine preventative maintenance as directed.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of molecular biology, virology, microbiology
Knowledge and understanding of laboratory policies, procedures and protocols
Knowledge of specimen accessioning, processing, packaging and shipping
Skills in laboratory quality assurance and quality control
Ability to communicate orally and in writing
Qualifications:
Preferred - BS in Biology with 6 months experience or coursework experience acceptable
Licensure-Not required but Clinical or Public Health Laboratory Technician License is preferred
Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:
Mission:
To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.
Vision:
To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.
Values:
I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.
C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.
A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.
R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.
E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.
Where You Will Work:
State of Florida
Department of Health
Bureau of Public Health Laboratories
Tampa Laboratory
3602 Spectrum Blvd.
Tampa, Florida 33612
Benefits For Working With The State:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available:
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements.  Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)
• And more!
For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com .
Please be advised:
Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.
This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.
Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov
If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.
The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.
Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.
Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.