AMD Technologist

Laboratory Scientist

Pay Grade: K

This is a FEDERAL GRANT FUNDED position and is subject to available grant funds.

We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing the State of Georgia for responding to disasters.

As a member of the Georgia Department of Public Health team, you will join a passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to making an impact. No matter your role, you will individually contribute to protecting the lives of all Georgians while receiving a wide range of benefits, so you can:

• Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play.
• Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and Georgia Residents.
• Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team – Collaborative and inclusive way of working where employees share ideas and leverage collective strengths
• Achieve Career Longevity – Countless opportunities for continuous learning/development that support a long-term career.
• Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role.
• Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like you.

This position performs highly technical laboratory testing in support of disease diagnosis, surveillance, outbreak response, and assay development within the Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Unit. Duties include performing molecular and sequencing procedures, conducting method validations, analyzing and reporting laboratory data, and ensuring compliance with quality assurance and regulatory standards.

Specific projects may include development, validation, and implementation of targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) and/or whole genome sequencing (WGS) assays for Mycobacterium species. Incumbents assigned to these activities must be willing and able to work in a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory environment in accordance with applicable biosafety and respiratory protection requirements.

Performs laboratory testing and sequencing procedures with minimal supervision:

• Conducts assigned molecular and NGS testing using established methodologies and SOPs.
• Ensures proper specimen receipt, handling, and processing in accordance with quality standards.
• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instruments and sequencing platforms.
• Prioritizes and completes testing within established turnaround times.

Serves as a technical resource in advanced molecular detection:

• Determines appropriate methodologies for non-routine or complex samples.
• Performs advanced or specialized procedures, including library preparation, targeted amplification, and sequencing workflows.
• Monitors quality control indicators, identifies deviations, and initiates corrective actions.
• Participates in evaluation, validation, and verification of new assays, reagents, instruments, and software.
• Participates in development, validation, and implementation of sequencing assays for bacterial pathogens, including Mycobacterium species.
• Performs work involving potentially hazardous biological agents using appropriate biosafety practices and containment procedures, including work in BSL-3 laboratory environments as assigned.

Provides lead worker support or supervision to lower-level staff (as assigned):

• Verifies accuracy and completeness of test results produced by lower-level staff.
• Assists in training personnel on laboratory procedures, safety requirements, and quality systems.
• Ensures proper documentation of test results in LIMS and other laboratory records.

Ensures accuracy and reliability of laboratory findings:

• Performs routine and advanced instrument maintenance and calibration.
• Identifies equipment or workflow malfunctions and takes appropriate corrective action.
• Documents all maintenance and troubleshooting activities per regulatory requirements.

Interprets, documents, and reports laboratory results:

• Reviews and releases results in accordance with laboratory policies.
• Maintains accurate testing records and ensures compliance with documentation standards.
• Communicates unusual findings, testing delays, or issues to supervisory personnel in a timely manner.

Maintains laboratory inventory and supports overall operations:

• Monitors reagent and supply inventories; prepares orders as needed.
• Provides testing support or cross-coverage in other sections as assigned.
• Participates in proficiency testing and competency assessments.

Assists in development, optimization, and implementation of procedures:

• Develops, evaluates, and modifies laboratory methods or workflows.
• Assists with implementation of new technologies, automation, and process improvements.
• Contributes to unit planning, goal setting, and performance improvement efforts.

Ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements:

• Adheres to CLIA, CAP, state, and federal regulations.
• Participates in inspections, audits, corrective actions, and quality assurance activities.
• Maintains required continuing education and stays current on scientific literature and emerging technologies.

Follows laboratory safety policies and biosafety procedures:

• Complies with all safety regulations, PPE requirements, and incident-reporting policies.
• Maintains a safe and contamination-controlled work environment suitable for molecular and sequencing workflows.

Performs additional AMD/NGS duties as required:

• Supports outbreak response, surge testing, and emergency operations.
• Assists with basic bioinformatics review of sequencing metrics (no coding required).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Associate degree in a related science area from an accredited college or university, certification as a Medical Technologist, MT (ASCP), and three (3) years of job-related science experience; or Associate degree and two (2) years of experience at the lower level Medical/Clinical Specialist 2 (LSP011) or equivalent position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a biological, chemical, or physical science AND experience in a clinical, research, or public health laboratory OR equivalent combination of education and experience as approved by the state.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (Illumina, ONT, or similar).
• Experience performing method validation or verification.
• Experience in a CLIA-regulated or accredited laboratory.
• Experience with public health microbiology or pathogen genomics.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Experience with mycobacteriology, tuberculosis testing, or sequencing of high-consequence pathogens preferred.
• Experience working in a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory environment preferred.
• Experience developing or validating targeted NGS (tNGS) and/or whole genome sequencing (WGS) assays preferred.
• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques, PCR, and laboratory quality assurance principles.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection, and comply with medical clearance and fit-testing requirements.
• Must be willing and able to work in a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory environment.
• May be required to participate in emergency response activities outside normal working hours.

The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.

The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant