Job Posting Title

Laboratory Scientist IV - Molecular Supervisor

Agency

340 OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Supervisory Organization

340 Public Health Lab Service

Job Posting End Date

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

The annual salary for this position is up to $79,187.68, based on education and experience

Why you’ll love it here!

RESPECT. COLLABORATION. SERVICE. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is committed to leading Oklahoma to prosperity through health. Our mission is to protect and promote health, prevent disease and injury, and cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can thrive. Check out why we are passionate about public health and believe it is the career for you!!!

Oh yeah, did we mention perks? We know that benefits matter and that is why we offer a competitive benefits package for all eligible employees.

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• A wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Student Loan repayment options & tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and venders.
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

Job Description

Location: Stillwater - 4615 W Lakeview

Salary: up to $79,187.68, based on education and experience

Full Time /Part Time: Full time

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday

Primary Hours: 8-5

Position Description: 

A Laboratory Scientist IV performs and oversees standardized testing, on clinical, environmental, or biological specimens to support disease surveillance, outbreak response, and public health interventions. They ensure test accuracy through adherence to quality control protocols, proper specimen handling, and equipment maintenance. Additionally, they review data analysis, result reporting, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards. At this level incumbents may train, evaluate and review the work/performance of levels I, II, III employees and other laboratory personnel as assigned.

Position Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

The duties and responsibilities described below are not intended to be comprehensive for this position. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Perform a broad range of laboratory analytic procedures of varying complexity on human, animal, or environmental specimens/samples using standardized methodologies to support diagnosis, treatment, disease prevention, surveillance, and epidemiological investigations.
• Ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory laboratory safety protocols, including consistent and appropriate utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Receive, sort and accession specimens, evaluate specimen integrity and acceptability for testing, and appropriately route samples to designated laboratory departments or reference laboratories.
• Accurately document all specimen-related information, including patient demographics, collection details, specimen identification and processing, quality control parameters, test results, referrals, and storage and preservation, within the laboratory information system (LIS).
• Perform quality review of test data, comparing results against control materials and established reference ranges to ensure analytical validity and perform basic statistical evaluation, as appropriate.
• Report validated laboratory test results via the LIS in accordance with established reporting standards and regulatory timelines.
• Communicate notification values to appropriate clinical staff and document those notifications in the LIS.
• Identify and troubleshoot technical issues or test discrepancies, initiating corrective or preventive actions in accordance with laboratory protocol.
• Follow established quality management system (QMS) procedures, participate in internal quality control (QC) assessments, and contribute to process improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing test performance.
• Prepare, verify, and maintain internal QC materials and reference standards for routine use in diagnostic testing workflows.
• Perform and document routine maintenance, calibration, and performance verification of laboratory equipment to ensure operational integrity and analytical accuracy. Serve as principal resource for analyzer maintenance and repair.
• Participate in external proficiency testing (PT) programs and ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, or other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Review and assist with inventory control processes, including supply monitoring and reagent stock rotation.
• Successfully complete initial training and annual competency assessments for each analytical test system, LIS operation, and other laboratory processes.
• Participate in regular in-service training and appropriate continuing education on laboratory safety and testing procedures.
• Assume responsibility of own professional development and act as a resource to others.
• Work with the section manager to develop training materials.
• Act as preceptor for laboratory personnel.
• Work with the section manager to develop and oversee the validation of new tests.
• Act as reviewer for laboratory technical procedures.
• Demonstrate a willingness to support mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior for the agency.
• Individuals may be required to work on occasional weekends or holidays to support continuation of laboratory operations or response to surges in testing activities.
• Being present in the office is an essential function of this job
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Duties

• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Works effectively in team environment, participating and assisting their peers.

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum education qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, biological, clinical or medical lab science or medical technology, OR
• A combination of education and experience including 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR 24 semester hours of science courses that include six (6) semester hours of chemistry, six (6) semester hours of biology, and twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination required.

Minimum experience includes:

• At least 5 years of high complexity clinical laboratory training and/or testing of human specimens.

Preferred qualifications:

• Three years of experience as a molecular biology laboratory supervisor in a public health, hospital, medical research or equivalent accredited laboratory setting.
• Nationally recognized certification through one of the following governing accreditations: ASCP, AMT, AABB, NASKL, ASCLS, HHS, ASHI, AAB, ABB, AMS, CRP, EBPH, Military or NILA.
• Advanced knowledge of molecular biology principles, methodologies, and associated subspecialties.
• Demonstrated experience with platforms for real-time PCR and next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies.
• Familiarity with NGS bioinformatics workflows and data analysis.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven ability to:
  • Manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and ensure thorough follow-up on assigned tasks.
  • Effectively communicate technical information both verbally and in writing, while fostering positive and collaborative working relationships.
  • Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office Suite.

Application Requirements:

• If education, certification or licensure is required to meet qualifications, applicants must provide documentation at the time of application.
• All applicants are subject to a background check and must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Valued Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Provides day-to-day oversight of testing personnel and laboratory section operations to ensure compliance with 42 CFR 493.1461 and all applicable federal, state, and accreditation standards. This includes reviewing and verifying the accuracy of test performance and results, ensuring that all procedures are performed in accordance with established protocols, and maintaining strict adherence to biosafety, chemical safety, and infection control practices.

Is responsible for managing workflow, assigning tasks, and scheduling staff to optimize laboratory efficiency while maintaining turnaround times. This role includes training and mentoring laboratory personnel in testing methodologies, QC practices, and regulatory compliance, as well as conducting and documenting ongoing competency assessments.

The supervisor develops, reviews, and enforces SOPs, and ensures corrective actions are implemented when deviations occur. The individual also plans, executes, and oversees validation and verification processes for all new testing methods prior to implementation, and manages comprehensive quality assurance programs, including review of QC/QA data and proficiency testing.

Through effective communication and consultation, the supervisor provides guidance to laboratory staff, healthcare providers, and agency officials regarding test interpretation, limitations, and appropriate application. By demonstrating accountability, leadership, and regulatory expertise, the supervisor ensures the laboratory maintains compliance, accuracy, and readiness under CLIA regulations.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Positions within the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) Public Health Laboratory are subject to specific physical and environmental demands. Personnel must be capable of lifting up to 40 pounds, standing for extended durations, and performing duties in environments where exposure to biological and chemical hazards is inherent. Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations require all employees designated to wear respiratory protection as part of their duties to undergo a medical evaluation to assess respiratory fitness. In accordance with federal regulations, any individual considered for employment who uses marijuana or possesses a medical marijuana license—regardless of state legalization—is classified by the federal government as an unlawful user of a controlled substance. As such, they are deemed a “restricted person” and are federally prohibited from accessing select agents and toxins.

Furthermore, certain positions within this job classification may be designated as safety-sensitive, as defined under Oklahoma Statute 63 O.S. § 427.8. Some agencies may have determined positions in this job family to be safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8. Being present at the office is an essential function of the job.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:

Agency Contact