This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Public Health Laboratory Scientist
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is mid-level professional and technical work in the State of Missouri Public Health Laboratory.
Performs routine serologic tests for the presence of antibodies or antigens to various disease agents.
Performs a variety of chemical, serological, viral, or bacteriological analyses of clinical or environmental specimens according to established procedures.
Performs a variety of bacteriological examinations for the presence of disease agents or contaminants in clinical or other specimens, such as: feces, urine, sputum, spinal fluid, blood cultures, water specimens, dairy products, foods, and beverages.
Performs microscopic examinations of animal heads for rabies.
Performs microscopic examinations for tissue and intestinal protozoan, helminthes, and nematodes.
Performs complex tests under general supervision, assuring the accuracy of the tests through quality control procedures; notifies appropriate scientific and supervisory staff when a test system is not functioning; and, in consultation with appropriate authorities, implements and documents appropriate remedial and corrective actions.
Performs cultural and microscopic examinations for N. gonorrhoea, and cultural, biochemical, and serological examinations for Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp.
Performs analytical chemical analysis on clinical and environmental samples using a variety of methodology and instrumentation.
Evaluates methods and instruments for determination of blood alcohol content in breath, blood, urine, or saliva; periodically performs quality assurance checks of field units; and testifies in court as required.
Performs screening and confirmatory tests to detect inborn errors of metabolism and sickle cell disease.
Performs, records, and reviews quality control results to determine the validity, accuracy, or precision of tests performed and ascertain the quality of reagents, chemicals, or media used for analysis.
Participates in sample accessioning and recordkeeping to ensure that all specimens are accounted for, appropriately handled, and properly and completely tested.
Records and reports results in the proper manner for the technical area of analysis; checks reports for accuracy; and maintains confidentiality of reports.
Consults with public health personnel, physicians, other laboratorians, and health care professionals regarding the interpretation of results, collection of specimens, and the applicability of tests to particular circumstances.
Communicates with health professionals in other agencies regarding routine questions concerning specimen requirements and tests offered.
Exercises significant independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities; receives general administrative supervision.
Performs other related work as assigned.
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement; no other substitutions will be permitted. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
Two or more years of experience as an Associate Public Health Laboratory Scientist with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology with a minimum of 24 earned credit hours in a biological and/or chemical science; and,
Two or more years of professional experience as a Chemist, Microbiologist, Medical Technologist, or in a comparable laboratory position.
(24 earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified fields may substitute for one year of the required experience.)
OR
An individualized proficiency certification for Clinical Laboratory Technologists, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and,
Two or more years of professional experience as a Chemist, Microbiologist, Medical Technologist, or in a comparable laboratory position.
(24 earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified fields may substitute for one year of the required experience.)
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Intermediate knowledge of the principles and practices of microbiology or analytical chemistry.
Intermediate knowledge of accepted analytical techniques.
Intermediate knowledge of laboratory methods, materials, techniques, and safety procedures.
Intermediate knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of a public health, medical, or other health-related analytical laboratory.
Intermediate knowledge of common laboratory equipment and apparatus, and where appropriate, some knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of specific instruments, such as gas chromatographs, atomic absorption units, fluorescent microscopes, and spectrophotometer readers.
Intermediate knowledge of statistics, the metric system, and mathematics for interpreting data and reporting results.
Ability to perceive colors and, where applicable, eyesight sufficiently strong to permit extended microscopic work.
Ability to perform assigned tasks exactly according to prescribed procedures, accurately observe and interpret results, and make reports.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with staff members, public health personnel, physicians, other laboratories, and the public.
Ability to effectively organize work.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
View benefits