Serology Technician

Job Title

The Microbiology Program exists to provide accurate scientific data and test results in regards to the detection, identification, confirmation and/or typing of microorganisms of public health importance in clinical, food, animal, and environmental specimens using current microbiology and/or molecular biology techniques.

Job Description

Under the guidance of the Microbiology Program Manager and Unit Supervisor, the purpose of this position is to conduct high-complexity serological and molecular testing and analysis of clinical and surveillance specimens for the detection, identification, characterization, and monitoring of pathogens and immune responses of public health importance and concern. This position utilizes conventional and advanced serology and molecular methodologies, immunoassays, and complementary laboratory techniques to support the detection and interpretation of infectious disease markers according to established protocols and existing methodologies.

This position supports diagnostics, surveillance, outbreak response, and special serological and molecular initiatives following established multistep, complex algorithms as well as participation in validation, verification, and implementation activities to expand capacity, improve assay performance, or evaluate additional methodologies. This position is responsible for ensuring that specimens are received, handled, processed, tested, and stored in accordance with established procedures and that accurate results are generated, reviewed, entered, reported, and communicated within required turnaround times. The position performs and supports all quality assurance and quality control requirements, including QC testing, documentation, assay monitoring, and compliance with CLIA guidelines in accordance with established protocols or as directed by the unit supervisor or program manager. This position may troubleshoot instrumentation, assay performance, workflow, specimen integrity, or testing-related challenges to ensure continuity of laboratory operations, testing quality, and reliable serologic and molecular interpretation. This position may also contribute to the development, revision, validation, and implementation of standard operating procedures and testing workflows under the guidance of the unit supervisor or program manager to support laboratory quality, consistency, and operational readiness. This position is responsible for responding to specimen submitters, epidemiologists, and public health partners, as needed, to reconcile specimen submission questions and communicate serological testing results quickly and accurately to appropriate stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and public health agencies. The position supports cross-unit and cross-program collaboration when testing workflows, training, outbreak response, surge testing, or laboratory operations overlap and may provide technical expertise to support integrated laboratory and public health priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for molecular and serological analytical testing within the microbiology department
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge in the operation, calibration, and maintenance of equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analyses
• Customer communication and administrative support to ensure test results are delivered in a timely manner and questions pertaining to results interpretation are addressed

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Residency Requirement: This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description: C8D2XX Laboratory Technology II

NOTE: An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.

Minimum Qualifications: Experience Only:

Five (5) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

Or Education and Experience: A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to five (5) years

**You must substantiate that you meet the minimum qualifications when filling out the Work Experience section of the application. Failure to do so will result in the application not moving forward in the hiring process. "See resume" will not be accepted. Resumes are considered supplemental information and are not considered in the initial evaluation. In addition, part-time work will be prorated when determining whether minimum qualifications are met.**

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:

1. Experience with both PCR techniques and ELISA techniques.
2. Experience working in a clinical laboratory under CLIA or CAP.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• This is a critical position and can be expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start, early release, or closure situations.
• Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• TRAVEL: To attend professional conferences and trainings.

Appeal Rights:

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, . If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: View phone number on click.appcast.io. Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io. Email address: View email address on click.appcast.io. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.

Supplemental Information

A complete application packet must include:

• Completed State of Colorado application.
• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process:

• All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
• Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.
• A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

CDPHE does not provide visa sponsorship at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

E-Verify:

CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

ADAAA Accommodations:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist