MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST III - 64085131

Requisition No: 870796 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST III - 64085131

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64085131 

Salary:  $1,636.99 - $1,800.68 Biweekly 

Posting Closing Date: 03/06/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Florida Department of Health

Bureau of Public Health Laboratories

Tampa Laboratory

This position is on-site and requires on-call duties. 

Open Competitive Opportunity

 

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is an independent professional position with the incumbent serving as the State funded Bioterrorism Coordinator working out of the Tampa Laboratory. The incumbent works closely with the CDC funded Bioterrorism Coordinator to use standard Laboratory Response Network (LRN) protocols to detect a variety of biologic agents that have the potential for use as biological agents by terrorists.  The incumbent also performs laboratory testing in other areas of the Tampa Laboratory as directed.  All work is performed under very general supervision and with the use of considerable independent judgment. 

 

Performs testing to identify biological threat agents such as Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, Brucella species, Burkholderia species, Coxiella burnetii, Ricin and rule out of smallpox virus.  Coordinates with the CDC funded Bioterrorism Coordinator to conduct studies to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic assays developed to detect the above-mentioned biologic threat agents.  Participates in periodic planning and coordination by meeting with CDC and other agencies.  Participates in the assessment of laboratory capacities throughout the State of Florida.

 

Performs conventional and molecular testing in other areas of the laboratory as directed, including but not limited to Clinical Microbiology,

 

Coordinates with the CDC funded Bioterrorism Coordinator to manage and maintain a system for specimen transport, triage, testing and referral.  The system involves specimen transport and handling, worker safety, appropriate biosafety level working conditions for each threat agent, training of personnel, quality control and assurance, maintenance of critical reagents and the laboratory’s readiness for responding to a possible act of bioterrorism.  Assists in the LRN Sentinel Laboratory Trainers with Sentinel Laboratory training classes directed to laboratory personnel who work in commercial laboratories.

 

Plans, designs, develops, and integrates new technologies and advanced methods for rapid diagnosis of the priority threat biologic agents. Implements quality assurance standards that assure proper chain of custody, adequate security, transport and storage of specimens, secure and effective communication of laboratory results, and acceptable performance in an external proficiency testing program. This includes the development and planning of field exercises to assess the readiness of the laboratory and the emergency responders.

 

Perform other related duties as needed.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of terminology, principles and techniques used in analysis and testing. 

Knowledge of procedures, techniques & equipment used in lab testing and analysis. 

Skill in the use of lab equipment. 

Ability to communicate effectively. 

Ability to work independently. 

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

 

Qualifications:

Minimum: To meet the requirements of the Suitability Assessment Program, the following is required: prior to being offered a position the candidate’s home address history, work history, education history, resume, professional licenses history, visa status (if applicable) and professional references will be verified; and the individual will apply for Department of Justice (DOJ) clearance and Select Agent Program registration within the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Public Health Laboratories via the FD961 after being hired; however, continued employment in this position is contingent on successful Department of Justice clearance.

Preferred: State of Florida Cl