MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST IV - 64046947

Requisition No: 878050 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST IV - 64046947

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64046947 

Salary:  $45,000.00 - $50,584.67 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 07/20/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Florida Department of Health

Bureau of Public Health Laboratories

Jacksonville Laboratory

 

Open Competitive Opportunity

 

 

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Accurate and timely identification and characterization of microbial pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi) is of paramount public health importance, as it helps contain outbreaks, detects introductions of novel pathogenic strains, and may direct adequate treatment regimens. The recent introduction and wide dissemination in clinical and public health laboratories of technologies such as next generation sequencing (NGS) has provided a never-before seen level of granularity and quality of data to be used for public health action.

 

The laboratorian sought for this senior scientist position will work at the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories (BPHL) Jacksonville and will have the opportunity to employ state-of-the-art molecular (whole genome sequencing, targeted NGS, Sanger sequencing, etc.) and microbiological techniques and technologies to characterize various microbial pathogens circulating in the state of Florida.

 

Perform next-generation sequencing of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens by adhering to standard operation procedures validated by the laboratory.

  

Perform microbiological and molecular methods other than NGS (e.g., Sanger Sequencing) for rapid analysis and identification of bacterial isolates and other types of isolates when needed.

  

Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of results and upload them and their metadata to appropriate analysis software and databases.

 

Serve as a laboratory consultant/subject matter expert regarding laboratory’s sequencing activities by communicating and explaining the results obtained to public health stakeholders and private providers.

 

Maintain instrumentation and proper quality control/quality assurance practices.

 

Perform other duties as requested.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Solid and documented knowledge of clinical microbiology and molecular biology.

Profound knowledge and understanding of laboratory policies, procedures, and protocols.

Knowledge and understanding of program policies and administrative guidance related to infectious diseases.

Excellent ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Ability to analyze, evaluate, research, and interpret scientific guidelines, protocols, policies, and regulations.

 

Qualifications:

Minimum:

• Have an existing Florida Clinical Laboratory license or qualify for, are willing to apply for, and maintain a Florida Clinical Laboratory license.
• Previous work experience in public health.
• Previous experience in scientific/grant writing.

Preferred:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. 

 

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging