LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, COMMUNICABLE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DISEASE AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DIVISION, DAVIDSON COUNTY

This is a clinical scientist position in within the Serology division of the Nashville Public Health Laboratory.

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/program-areas/lab/career-page/PH_Lab_Scientist_2-Serology.pdf

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in physical sciences (e.g. chemistry), ecology, life sciences (e.g. biology, microbiology, biochemistry or biophysics), medical laboratory science, pre-medicine, or other acceptable science, and one year of full-time professional work in the related field.

Substitution of Education for Experience: Graduate course work received from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for the required experience on a year-to-year basis to a maximum of one year (e.g. 24 graduate semester hours or 36 graduate quarter hours in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience).

OR

Successful completion of an accredited, 4 year medical laboratory scientist program and one year of full-time professional work in the related field.

OR

Completion of an accredited 2 year medical laboratory technician program and one year of full-time professional work in the related field.

A transcript with ALL credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order that the agency is able to properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:

A PH Lab Scientist2 performing Clinical duties the major portion of their time must:

Have graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in life sciences (e.g. biology, microbiology or biochemistry), Medical laboratory science, pre-medicine, or other acceptable science OR successful completion of an accredited 4 year medical laboratory scientist program OR successful completion of an accredited 2 year medical laboratory technician.
OR

Meet CLIA Testing Personnel Qualification Category set forth in federal CMS regulations 42 CFR, 493.1489.

Note:Licensure as a Medical LaboratoryTechnologist or Medical Laboratory Technician is no longer required (4/2018), but is preferred. Licensure as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Laboratory Supervisor or Medical Laboratory Director subsumes the PH Laboratory Scientist2 level and, therefore, also qualifies forthis jobclassification.

A PH Lab Scientist 2 performing Chemist duties the major portion of their time must: Have graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, including at least 32 credit hours in the following areas: (1) general chemistry, (2) organic chemistry, (3) quantitative analysis, (4) instrumental analysis and (5) physical chemistry.

A PH Lab Scientist 2 performing Aquatic Biologist duties the major portion of their time must: Have graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, including at least 32 credit hours in biology, in one of the following areas: (1) biology or biological sciences, (2) botanical sciences, (3) environmental or conservation sciences, (4) zoological sciences, or (5) aquatic, terrestrial, or wetland biology or ecology or other acceptable biological science related field. Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license throughout the duration of employment.
Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Summary: Under immediate supervision, is responsible for routine laboratory work of moderate difficulty as it relates to chemistry, aquatic biology, microbiological, and/or molecular areas; and performs other tasks as required.

Distinguishing Features: This is a working level class in the Public Health Laboratory Scientist series.Duties may include first level troubleshooting, guidance to entry level staff and work of moderate difficulty. This class differs from Public Health Laboratory Scientist 1 in that an incumbent of the latter functions at the entry level.This class differs from the Public Health Scientist 3 in that an incumbent of the latter per forms work of moderate to complex difficulty and possesses a minimum of three years of laboratory experience.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work:

Performs analytical methods (i.e., tests) selected for the particular sample submitted.
Prioritizes and organizes tasks in order to complete them in an assigned timeframe while optimizing resources and taking into consideration factors such as performing tests based on number of samples submitted, time and resources required for tests, and priority of tests.
Performs tasks required to support laboratory functions such as preparing reagents, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and maintaining supply inventory.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings:

Monitors test processes for adherence to quality control standards by comparing test results to known standards such as using positive and negative controls and acceptable appearance of diagnostic product.
Prepares various types of specimens for examination by various diagnostic techniques.
Monitors test equipment for proper functioning such as monitoring temperature, detecting malfunction alarms and recognizing incorrectly processed samples.
Performing Administrative Activities:

Creates documents (e.g., logs, schedules, tally sheets, monthly reports) by utilizing computer.
Orders lab supplies and reagents using appropriate accounting codes.
Keeps accurate time sheets.
Prints labels for reagents.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards:

Uses relevant or appropriate guidelines to determine whether test results are acceptable based on laboratory established policies and procedures.
Works within established quality control guidelines.
Ensures confidentiality of client information in accordance with HIPAA.
Performing General Physical Activities:

Performs precise repetitive activities or motions during specimen processing or analysis.
May spend prolonged periods of time at a computer monitor, microscopes, etc. related to the performance of tests or procedures (i.e., visual activity).
Performs physical activities that involve use of hands, arms and legs to relocate and stock reagents, samples and supplies to testing areas weighing up to 50 pounds.
Bends, stoops, kneels, and reaches as necessary.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events:

Identify and initiate situations or circumstances with reagents and equipment for the purpose of troubleshooting.
Following standard operating procedures, maintains situational awareness and proficiency with biological and chemical hazards.
Corrects problems according to preset strategies or notifies a technologist or supervisor.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge:

Reviews information from manuals, work instructions, flowcharts and other reference sources to accurately analyze and report test results.
Remain current with regard to technical information and departmental procedures and policies.
Maintains continuing education for compliance with rules and regulations that govern the laboratory and licensure.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization:

Communicates results of tests to submitters in person, in writing, by telephone, fax or e-mail.
Communicates with vendors and manufacturers regarding performance issues, troubleshooting, etc.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources:

Monitors reagents and consumables to ensure an adequate supply for testing needs.
Rotates stock to minimize waste and expiration.
Getting Information:

Receive information on accession form and/or electronically to determine completeness.
Assists in gathering incomplete information by calling submitter to provide needed information such as date taken, tests needed and sample description.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems:

Analyzes information and evaluates results to determine the validity of test results.
Processing Information:

Compiles, calculates, and categorizes information or data for appropriateness of reporting.
Controlling Machines and Processes:

Operates laboratory equipment by following instruction manual and using control mechanisms such as power switches and control knobs.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information:

Prepares and checks specimens, solutions, reagents and other materials necessary for conducting tests.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment:

Performs preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment used in assigned area according to standard operating procedure.
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People:

Assesses diagnostic samples for suitability for testing (e.g., quantity, sample preservation, contamination, proper transport conditions, and proper container).
Interacting With Computers:

Uses computers and laboratory information systems to process and access information, data and control instrumentation.
Documenting/Recording Information:

Documents, enters, transcribes, records, stores and maintains information in written and electronic form using notebooks, file copies, computer software, etc.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships:

Establishes and develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with all laboratory staff and maintains them over time.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates:

Communicates status of assigned tasks or other relevant information to supervisors or peers by telephone, in written form, e-mail or in person.

Competencies:

Functional/Technical Competency
Problem Solving
Informing
Time Management
Action Oriented
Perseverance
Written Communications
Listening
Peer Relationships
Self-Knowledge

Knowledge:

Biology
Chemistry
Clerical
Customer and Personal Service
Mathematics

Skills:

Active Learning
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Learning Strategies
Mathematics
Reading Comprehension
Science
Speaking
Writing
Coordination
Service Orientation
Complex Problem Solving
Equipment Maintenance
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Repairing
Troubleshooting
Instructing

Abilities:

Category Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Flexibility of Closure
Inductive Reasoning
Mathematical Reasoning
Memorization
Number Facility
Oral Comprehension
Oral Expression
Perceptual Speed
Problem Sensitivity
Selective Attention
Spatial Orientation
Speed of Closure
Time Sharing
Written Comprehension
Written Expression
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control Precision
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multilimb Coordination
Rate Control
Reaction Time
Stamina
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Near Vision
Sound Localization
Speech Clarity
Speech Recognition
Visual Color Discrimination
Gross Body Coordination
Peripheral Vision

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