Public Health Scientists Associate

The public health scientist position is responsible for conducting laboratory analyses on dried blood spots on newborn babies for the identification of metabolic disorders. This position performs chemical, hematological and molecular testing of clinical laboratory specimens, along with performing quality control, maintaining laboratory records, providing consultation to clients and other laboratorians, and performing preventative maintenance on equipment within the Office of Newborn Screening. This position will maintain the laboratory reagent and material stocks for testing conducted by the sections, as well as play a support role in the laboratory in the event of a public emergency.

Performs specialized hematological, molecular biological, and biochemical testing procedures on dried blood spots submitted for laboratory analysis.

Works with potentially infectious, and/or other hazardous materials.

Performs quality control testing as required by regulations; maintains appropriate records. Records results of laboratory analyses, including such information as procedure followed, specific laboratory results, final identification, date reported.

Performs preventative maintenance of laboratory instruments. Orders and reorders supplies for work unit as needed.

Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:
- Molecular biology and/or biochemical terminology, general biological sciences, chemistry and biology.
- Principles and practices of molecular biology and/or chemistry; molecular biology and/or chemical laboratory methods, procedures, equipment, and technology.
- Quality control procedures and techniques.
- Federal and State standards applicable to clinical test procedures.
- Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - CLIA
- Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improve (CQI) and lean methodologies.

Skills in:
- Molecular and/or chemical laboratory testing and interpretation
- Performing preventative maintenance for standard laboratory equipment
- Applying safety precautions and procedures.

Ability to:
- Establish and maintain effective work relationships; communicate verbally and in writing; maintain accurate laboratory notes; write technical reports.
- Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.

Candidate must meet the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) minimum requirements for the performance of high complexity testing as defined in the CLIA §493.1489. Candidate must have earned a bachelor's degree in a biological or clinical laboratory science

Driver's License.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
− Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
− Paid vacation and sick time
− Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
− 10 paid holidays per year
− Wellness program and plans
− Life insurance
− Short/long-term disability insurance
− Defined retirement plan
− Award winning Infant at Work program
− Credit union membership
− Transit subsidy
− ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will make a contribution to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27 week wait period for contributions to begin.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing virginia.hassard@azdhs.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.