Lab Scientist/Sr. Lab Scientist - Springfield Diagnostic Lab

The Animal Health Diagnostic labs are operated under the direction of the State Veterinarian. The division of Animal Health plays a crucial role for the Missouri Department of Agriculture and assist in detecting, controlling and eradicating livestock diseases that threaten the profitability, movement, and marketability of Missouri's livestock and livestock products. The Springfield laboratory contains testing sections for serology, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics. In addition, we perform testing on meat/meat products for the Missouri Meat Inspection Program and milk/milk products for the State Milk Board. The Springfield lab is part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).

We are looking for a full time Laboratory Scientist/Senior Lab Scientist to fill a critical role at our Springfield laboratory. If you have a passion for agriculture and diagnostics and want to make a difference every day in the lives of Missourians, this may be the job for you!

• Perform 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.
• Perform molecular testing for various disease agents to include NAHLN program diseases.
• Maintain 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.
• Always maintain lab safety 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.
• Perform data entry for test submissions and test results.
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four (4) or more years of experience working in a laboratory environment. At least 1 year of experience must be working with molecular diagnostics. Post-secondary degree with emphasis in chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science, medical technology program, or closely related fields will count toward experience.
• Missouri Driver’s License.

Other Qualifications:

• 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.

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) and Ideagen Quality systems (Qualtrax)
  • 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.

• 3 weeks paid vacation; 3 weeks paid sick leave; 13 paid holidays
• Health (medical, dental, vision) and free life insurance
• Retirement
• Up to $75/month match on savings plan
• 6 weeks paid leave for birth or adoption

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 .

hr@mda.mo.gov

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• State of Missouri

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