AGRICULTURAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST III

This is the full performance level of work performing veterinary diagnostic and analytical laboratory testing in compliance with applicable local, State and federal regulations and standards.  Will be assigned 24-hour on-call status periodically, and may involve emergency weekend and night duty in the event of a diseases outbreak or other assigned department activity. May involve occasional overnight travel in and out of state. This is a continuity of operations essential employee.

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Frederick Animal Health Laboratory - 1840 Rosemont Ave., Frederick, Maryland

This position serves primarily to support animal agriculture and to assure consumer confidence by conducting veterinary diagnostic and analytic tests in the Frederick Animal Health Laboratory, and performing various routine and highly specialized biological tests on body fluids and tissues of a variety of species of animals in support of the veterinary pathologist and practicing veterinarians in their diagnosis of animal diseases. This position has primary responsibility for technical and scientific work in molecular biology.

Conducts Laboratory Diagnostic Procedures - carries out regulatory and diagnostic analysis functions by testing samples for diseases.  Conducts tests in multiple assigned areas such as molecular diagnostics and bacteriology, and serves as a specialist in a specific area, and on specific testing paradigms such as real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing or bacteriology.  Has primary responsibility for all molecular testing.  Has additional responsibilities for serology testing, bacteriology, parasitology, Fluorescent Antibody or Plate/Tube Agglutination testing. Participates in laboratory cross-training program, completes proficiency tests, develops, maintains and follows Standard Operating Procedures for molecular diagnostic tests.  Interprets and records test results.  Follows procedures for disposal of biohazard materials and disinfection of work area.  Strictly adheres to biosafety, biosecurity, and personal protection equipment requirements. Participates in all required training sessions.  Handles ordering and requisitioning of lab supplies, and maintains laboratory equipment in proper working order.  Leads visiting colleagues and other staff in molecular and basic laboratory and biosafety procedures.  Serves as subject matter expert.

Follows and supports ISO 17025 requirements and laboratory Quality Manual System -  Participates in the laboratory accreditation process, attends required training, compiles reports and documents, initiates corrective and preventive actions, assists with managing document control system, initiates workflows for laboratory processes, and follows and supports records management procedures.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree in the biological or chemical sciences from an accredited college or university including one course in general microbiology and one course in pathogenic, clinical or medical microbiology.

Experience:  Two years of experience performing laboratory analysis work in a biological, chemical, food, commercial, animal health, medical or public health laboratory.

Notes:

1. Experience performing veterinary analytical, diagnostic, and epidemiological laboratory testing work may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

2. A Master’s degree in the chemical or biological sciences from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

3. A Doctorate degree in the chemical or biological sciences from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in natural resources management and biological science classification or natural resources management and biological science specialty codes in the animal science field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

Work experience in a laboratory with real time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) duties.  (Please indicate whether this experience was gained in a medical/veterinary diagnostic laboratory or a non-diagnostic laboratory on the supplemental questionnaire.)

Work experience with microbiology or bacteriology working in a lab culturing and identifying bacteria, or antibiotic sensitivity testing.

1. Candidates for some positions may be given a medical examination to rule out color blindness.

2. Employees in this classification must be willing to undergo and maintain rabies immunization.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

 STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture  Human Resource Office, Room 304,  50 Harry S. Truman Parkway  Annapolis, MD  21401. If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.  If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).

All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.) Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact:  Mary Darling at 410-841-5847 or mary.darling@maryland.gov. 

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.