State of Ohio

Laboratory Scientist 3 - Molecular Diagnostics and Sequencing (250004H3)

Organization

: Agriculture

Agency Contact Name and Information: Ryan Gunter - Ryan.Gunter@agri.ohio.gov

Unposting Date

: Jul 3, 2025, 3:59:00 AM

Primary Location

: United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Reynoldsburg

Compensation: $30.55 -$44.74, Based on Qualifications

Schedule

: Full-time

Work Hours: 8am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday

Classified Indicator: Classified

Union: OCSEA

Primary Job Skill

: Laboratory

Technical Skills: Data Analytics, Agriculture, Communications, Customer Service, Laboratory, Research, Animal Health

Professional Skills: Adaptability, Analyzation, Attention to Detail, Collaboration, Customer Focus, Flexibility, Problem Solving, Results Oriented

Agency Overview

Competitive salary: $63,544 – $93,059 Annually

Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio!

The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation.

ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch.

You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.

What We Do:

Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!

As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans.

Job Description

No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio. The Molecular Diagnostics section offers PCR testing and DNA sequencing analysis for screening, diagnosis or confirmation of infectious agents.

This position is responsible for:

• In the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) Molecular Diagnostics and Sequencing Section, conducts and coordinates research efforts & projects with other Animal Health lab sections, outside agencies &/or consultants (e.g. universities, industries such as swine (National Pork Board), poultry (Ohio Poultry Association), cattle (bull stud)
• Plans, coordinates, reviews & analyzes research programs & projects (e.g., FDA, USDA and other federal or state funded programs & project)
• Reviews & analyzes problems or issues to be researched & develops appropriate research tools (e.g. methodology, design of experiments, hypotheses testing), designs & implements research projects & prepares & maintains necessary reports, records, technical evaluations &/or publications related to research projects
• Assists in preparing research proposals
• Acts as lead worker of lower-level laboratory staff (e.g., scientists/technicians) assigned to research projects and veterinary diagnostic work
• Performs tests that require specialized knowledge, training & judgment and advanced techniques (e.g., PCR, sequencing analysis) including working in biosafety level 2 & 3 laboratory environments
• Adapts &/or develops standard procedures (SOP) to extent permitted by laboratory policies OR performs all of preceding & provides daily work direction & training to others in the Molecular Diagnostics and Sequencing Section
• Serves as resource person & technical advisor in laboratory
• Assists with laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC)
• Assists with development of new research methodologies
• Assists supervisor in training lower-level scientists & technicians
• Independently solves problems & mitigates factors interfering with testing
• Develops, improves & customizes analytical methods, equipment, formulas or processes
• Provides results to appropriate individuals following agency established guidelines
• Provides explanation of methods & procedures requiring specialized knowledge, training & judgment to clients/customers
• Performs advanced (e.g., beyond daily) equipment calibrations & quality control, test ranges & other limit determinations
• Monitors equipment to evaluate operating efficiency & to diagnose malfunctions
• Performs routine maintenance
• Troubleshoots & repairs equipment as needed & identifies when to contact vendor for assistance
• Uses computer to input & process test data
• Develops & implements standard operating procedures (SOPs) & methodology for which there are no published, established standard protocols or methods
• Writes technical papers & reports
• Uses data to prepare reports, summaries, charts &/or other documentation (e.g., prepares findings of laboratory analysis, develops & updates procedure/workstation manuals)
• Assists other sections in planning & executing special projects as needed
• Reads highly technical journals
• Attends & participates in local &/or out-of-state training sessions & seminars
• Replies to requests for information &/or represents agency in meetings with government or industry representatives &/or public
• Testifies in hearings
• Maintains work-related documentation {e.g., laboratory records, test results, client/patient information) in hard copy &/or electronic form
• Organizes own work & cleans & maintains workspace
• Tracks & orders supplies
• Performs other related duties as assigned

This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.

What’s in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are free after one year of continuous service.

Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Maternity Benefits

• Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.
• Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include:

o Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.

o Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).

o Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.

o Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.

o Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.

• Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits.
• Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third-party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers.

Why Work for the State of Ohio

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
• Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

54 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.

• Or completion of undergraduate core coursework in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science; 24 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file;
• Or completion of Master of Science core program in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science; 12 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.
• Or 12 months experience as Laboratory Scientist 2, 83292.
• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above

Supplemental Information

Please note that the work schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday, totaling 40 hours per week to meet customer testing requirements. Sunday and Monday will be designated days off.

If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter.

Unusual Working Conditions:

Exposed to biofluids & tissue, sharps, caustic or toxic chemicals, &/or explosives; may require travel; may work varying hours.

For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact:

Ryan Gunter - ryan.gunter@agri.ohio.gov

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). The recommended candidate for this position may be required to take a drug screen as part of their approval process. A candidate who tests positive for illegal or improperly used controlled drugs will not be hired.

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug-Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

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