MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST IV - 64068581

Requisition No: 878003 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST IV - 64068581

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64068581 

Salary:  $50,000.00 - $55,000 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 07/20/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Open Competitive Opportunity

Florida Department of Health

Bureau of Public Health Laboratories

Jacksonville Laboratory

Your Specific Responsibilities:

The senior scientist selected for this position performs molecular testing of various human microbiological pathogens (e.g., HIV, TB, Candida auris, Mycoplasma genitalium, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, etc.) by next generation sequencing and other molecular and microbiological methods, as needed. It is expected that the work performed by the incumbent will lead to accurate and timely characterization of various microbial agents (viral, bacterial, fungal) infecting the citizens of Florida. This will help direct adequate treatment regimens and lead to better containment of outbreaks by early detection of new pathogenic strains and their drug resistance patterns.

Perform next-generation sequencing (pre-analytical, nucleic acid preparation, sequencing, and data analysis) 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, qPCR) for rapid analysis, detection and identification of viral and bacterial isolates.

Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of results and upload them and their metadata to appropriate analysis software and databases, and to the LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems – LabWare).

Serve as a laboratory consultant/subject matter expert regarding laboratory’s sequencing activities within the scope of the position by communicating promptly and explaining the results obtained to public health stakeholders and private providers. Apply for and maintain grant funding (e.g., from federal sources), when directed. Maintain instrumentation and proper quality control/quality assurance practices. Keep informed on the latest guidance materials by attending meetings and reviewing pertinent literature. Review standard operation procedures, job aids and other documents periodically and operate the changes needed. Ensure adequate stocks of necessary testing supplies are available.

Perform other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of MS Office and Illumina sequencing platforms.

Knowledge of testing human microbiological pathogens.

Ability to work independently and communicate effectively.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum: Have an existing Florida Clinical Laboratory license or qualify for, are willing to apply for, and maintain a Florida Clinical Laboratory license.

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 our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Jacksonville, Florida

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions

(For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);

• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.   

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.  

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. 

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. 

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. 

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.    

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.