LABORATORY RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Search by keyword (e.g. County, Job Title etc.) Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome. Reasonable Accommodation Statement The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application. Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation. Sponsorship for Employment The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Disclosure of Salary Information In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials. Position Overview IDPH is seeking a highly motivated doctorate Scientist with extensive experience in clinical microbiology, molecular biology, whole genome sequencing, and virology within public health laboratory settings. Adept at applying advanced diagnostic and genomic technologies to detect, characterize, and monitor infectious diseases, supporting timely and data-driven public health responses. Proven ability to optimize laboratory workflows, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to high-impact research and surveillance initiatives. Responsibilities Develop, evaluate, validate, and implement new testing including microbiological assays, next generation sequencing and other molecular biology assays on environmental and clinical specimens for known pathogens of infectious disease, which may include testing on rabies specimens or identification of select agents. Write, review and update laboratory procedures. Provide technical assistance and training on the use of complex testing techniques and methods. Perform thorough literature searches of scientific/medical research for application of testing methods on disease-causing organisms. Maintain cultures of viable pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms for methods development and controls, such as clinical, waterborne and food borne viruses, bacteria, parasites, etc. Participate in national or regional collaborations to further the development and implementation of testing at state public health laboratories. Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. Benefits Statement Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas (when available and dependent upon position). Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans. Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System. Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan. Optional pre‑tax programs - Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP). 10‑25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment). 12 paid sick days annually which carry over year to year. 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro-rated dependent on start date). 13‑14 paid holidays per year. 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources. Minimum Qualifications Doctor of Philosophy degree in chemistry, immunology, microbiology, toxicology, virology, or other scientific discipline closely related to these fields, to include professional laboratory experience in basic or applied laboratory research. Preferred Qualifications Two (2) years experience in developing and implementing research, clinical or environmental assays. Thorough knowledge in conducting responsible, independent basic and applied laboratory research and applying the results obtained to upgrade the analytical capability of laboratories. Extensive knowledge of the laboratory sciences. Two (2) years experience maintaining cooperative relationships with the technical/scientific personnel in other state agencies, local health jurisdictions and the general public. Extensive knowledge in preparing scientific articles and presenting lectures outlining the results of complex research. One (1) year experience in training and directing professional laboratory personnel in new testing methods. Conditions of Employment This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings. About the Agency The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $1.8 Billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,400 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury. #J-18808-Ljbffr State-of-Illinois