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State of Florida · 1 day ago

OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 42902197

Kissimmee, FL

Part-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$22.50/hr - $22.50/hr

The State of Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking an OPS Biological Scientist I to perform laboratory testing activities in the Virology Section. The role involves conducting various virological tests, maintaining laboratory records, and ensuring quality control of laboratory processes.

Government Administration

Responsibilities

The incumbent serves as a laboratory professional responsible for testing activities in the Virology Section

As a Biological Scientist I, the incumbent is responsible for performing various tests performed in the virology section such as Virus neutralization tests on serum samples, Direct fluorescent antibody tests on fresh tissue samples; Rabies-Direct Fluorescent antibody testing; Indirect fluorescent antibody tests for viruses and bacteria, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) and Real-time quantitative PCR [Polymerase chain reaction] (RT- qPCR)

Responsible for maintenance of cell lines used in virus isolation and virology tests

Performs isolation and identification of viruses by processing clinical samples and samples received from the necropsy

Responsible for the preparation of laboratory worksheets indicating the procedures performed

Prepares and maintains accurate, detailed laboratory records of results; performs case coordination of the test results in a timely manner via Laboratory information management system (LIMS)

Responsible for the preparation of reagents, stains, and solutions used in the various viral diagnostic procedures

Responsible for maintaining the stock virus and cell cultures used in the Virology Section and performs quality control on the cell lines and viruses used in the section following the established procedures

Responsible for maintaining the QA/QC records of test(s) performed and lab equipment; following up on the calibration or preventative maintenance of the equipment in a timely manner with minimum supervision

Assists supervisor and senior biological scientist with the development of new SOPs and revision of current SOPs

Responsible for maintaining the Levey-Jennings chart for the quantitative tests performed by the incumbent

Assists the section head in maintaining the QA/QC documents in Q-Pulse

Participates in the validation process of the new tests

Successfully completes the proficiency check tests as required for the standards of American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), and International Proficiency Veterinary testing center (IVPTC)

The incumbent determines the supplies that are necessary for full laboratory function and coordinates with the supervisor for ordering the supplies

Also responsible for general upkeep and orderliness of workstations of the virology section; responsible for the disposal of all contaminated lab ware and used viral cultures to assure that the methods of disposal of such contaminated materials is in accordance with standard laboratory safety procedures

Reporting/case coordinating the test results in USA-LIMS in a timely manner is expected

Incumbent is expected to cross train in other sections in the Microbiology Department and other laboratory departments as required

Reviews scientific literature to keep current with new virological procedures and recommends procedures which might improve laboratory services

As required, incumbent is also responsible for examining and evaluating new procedures

Performs other duties as required

Qualification

Virology techniquesReal-time quantitative PCREnzyme-Linked Immunosorbent AssaysMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelAseptic techniquesTechnical instructions understandingLiquid handlingCalculations for unit conversions

Required

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences

Certain positions within this class require individuals to meet specific federal or state regulations as identified by the employing agency

Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license

Graduates utilizing education attained in the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position will not be appointed until verification of the applicable degree has been obtained

Foreign trained graduates utilizing a degree attained outside of the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position must be prepared to provide a copy of a credential evaluation conducted by an Approved Credential Evaluation Agency

All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile)

Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position

Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile

Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel

Proficient in liquid handling, using micropipettes and serological pipettes

Ability to perform calculations for unit conversions and dilutions

Ability to work in class 2 Biological safety cabinet; proficient in aseptic techniques

Ability to demonstrate and understand technical instructions