DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Address: 250 N 17th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85007  

Salary: $46,200 - $61,800 

This public health scientist position is responsible for conducting testing to isolate and identify pathogenic microorganisms and toxins deemed to be important by law enforcement and public health agencies for priority biological agents. This position performs microbiological, serological, and molecular testing of clinical and reference 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 Bacteriology/Mycobacteriology/LRN-B sections. This position will maintain the laboratory reagent and material stocks for testing conducted by the sections, as well as play a supportive role in the laboratory in the event of a disease outbreak.

- Performs, specialized microbiological and molecular biological testing procedures on specimens/samples submitted for laboratory analysis.
- Works with infectious, toxic, 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 the procedure followed specific laboratory results, final identification, and date reported.
- Performs preventative maintenance of laboratory instruments. Orders and reorders supplies for the work unit as needed.

Knowledge of:
- Microbiological and/or chemical terminology, general biological sciences, chemistry, and related concepts of physics.
- Principles and practices of microbiology and/or chemistry; microbiological and/or chemical laboratory methods, procedures, equipment, and technology.
- Media characteristics and uses.
- Quality control procedures and techniques.
- Federal and State standards are applicable to microbiological and chemical test procedures.
- Performance Management (PM), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and Lean methodologies.

Skill in:
- Microbiological and/or chemical laboratory testing and interpretation.
- Using and caring 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.

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Life Science, specializing in Chemical, Biology, or Microbiology, a related field with 2 years of work experience.

Employees who drive on state business require possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete any driver training (See Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
− Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
− Paid vacation and sick time
− 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

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.

Arizona State Government is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-1085. 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.