State of Maryland

A Public Health Laboratory Scientist Radiological Chemistry is professional public health laboratory work in the Laboratories Administration of the Maryland Department of Health (MDH).  Employees in this classification are responsible for all phases of the operation of a unit performing technical laboratory work in the Laboratories Administration or a State hospital.  Employees in this classification conduct the more difficult tests and supervise staff in the conduct of the more routine procedures. Employees in this classification prepare work in accordance with scientific principles and standardized procedures.  Employees in this classification are is responsible for the accuracy of the tests and the observation and measurements made while keeping up-to-date at all times with work methods and procedures.  Employees in this classification do not supervise.

Employees in this classification assigned to a branch or hospital laboratory receive general supervision of a Laboratory Scientist IV position. Employees in this classification assigned to the central laboratory are responsible for the operation of the assigned laboratory and receive general supervision from a higher-level Laboratory Scientist (Section Head or Division Chief).

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

Conducts radiological examinations at the scene of any accident involving radioactive materials;

Monitors harbor waters when an atomic submarine is in port;

Coordinates the operation of a laboratory unit monitoring food, water, milk and air for radioactive materials;

Instructs others in technical procedures;

Keeps well-informed of new developments in the specialty and participates in professional activities related to the work;

Requisitions needed laboratory supplies;

Performs routine and special tests in a highly dependable manner;

Teaches and acts as a consultant in a specialty area;

Conducts and/or participates in evaluations of laboratory performance;

Prepares technical procedures and reports;

Performs investigative work as required;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of Radiological Chemistry;

Knowledge of the operation and care of laboratory equipment involved;

Ability to plan and coordinate the work of professional and technical assistants in performing laboratory operations;

Ability to participate in research independently and under general supervision;

Ability to prepare outlines of proposed studies in application for federal research grants;

Ability to prepare technical reports covering procedures and results of laboratory experiments;

Ability to perform techniques in following standard scientific laboratory methods;

Ability to make accurate observations of test results.  

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in the biological sciences, chemistry, medical technology or biotechnology courses in radiological chemistry: 30 credit hours in chemistry or a Master’s degree in chemistry from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Four years of experience in radiological chemistry.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry or Virology from an accredited college or university, and two years of experience, or its equivalent in biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry or virology for the required education and experience.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Health Science Research Officer classifications or Medical Laboratory Specialists specialty codes in the Science related field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G- Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial, and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining. Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.