Job Location: Jefferson City, Missouri area (applicant must reside in or be willing to relocate to this area). Position will be located in the State Health Lab, 101 Chestnut Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Why you’ll love this position:The Animal Health Diagnostic labs are operated under the State Veterinarian. Our labs help us identify, control and eradicate livestock diseases that threaten the profitability and marketability of Missouri's livestock and livestock products. The division of Animal Health plays a crucial role for the Department.
We are looking for a full time Laboratory Scientist to fill a critical role in our Jefferson City laboratory. If you want to make a difference every day in the lives of Missourians, this may be the job for you!
- Performs a variety of tests under general supervision and according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) looking for the presence of disease agents in clinical or other specimens, such as: feces, urine, blood, water, dairy products, and food.
- Perform routine serologic tests looking for the presence of antibodies or antigens to various disease agents.
- Maintains quality results by running standards and controls, verifying equipment function through routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, calibrating equipment, utilizing approved testing procedures, and monitoring quality control measures and protocols.
- Assure the accuracy of tests through quality control procedures and notify appropriate scientific and supervisory staff when a test system is not functioning; and in consultation with appropriate authorities, implement and document appropriate remedial and corrective actions.
- Maintain lab safety at all times by following safe handling and quality control processes and wearing proper protective gear. This includes maintaining a sterile lab environment to avoid any cross-contamination of specimens and samples
- Performs data entry for test submissions and test results.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications: - Four (4) or more years of experience working in a laboratory environment.
- Ability to interpret data from a variety of instrumentation.
- Ability to troubleshoot a variety of instruments.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to effectively use Microsoft Excel, Word, and other software applications in the performance of duties.
- Ability to be both a productive individual and team member.
- Ability to represent the department in a professional manner.
- Ability to prioritize work based on the type of incoming samples.
- Ability to work independently, identify tasks, standardize procedures, and provide feedback to the program.
- Ability to work well with fellow scientists and managers.
- Post-secondary degree with emphasis in chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science, medical technology program, or closely related fields will count toward experience.
Preferred Qualifications: - Excellent attention to detail, high-level organizational skills, and the ability to multitask.
- Strong communication skills that will foster a team environment.
- Excellent computer skills, data entry skills, generating reports, and knowledge of LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).
- Knowledge of animal agriculture industry or agriculture related field.
Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .
