Wastewater Surveillance Lab Specialist
About The Position
The Wastewater Surveillance Lab Specialist position serves as a senior‑level Laboratory Specialist in the Wastewater Surveillance Laboratory within the Environmental Sciences Unit of the State Laboratory of Public Health, performing advanced molecular testing to detect and characterize viral agents of public health significance. This role independently conducts complex molecular analyses, including digital PCR, DNA sequencing, and whole‑genome sequencing, to quantify and identify viral nucleic acids in wastewater samples. Work includes performing method verifications and validations, preparing scientific documentation, and implementing new molecular tests. The Wastewater Surveillance Lab Specialist also supports weekly statewide surveillance reporting and contributes to quality management and staff training in a high‑complexity laboratory environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, microbiology, chemistry or a closely related biological science field from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience in a medical laboratory or in the assigned work area OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA ’88 personnel requirements for a general supervisor in a laboratory performing high complexity testing.
- Applicants must attach copies of their transcript(s) and/or certification(s) to be considered for the position
Nice To Haves
- Expert proficiency performing molecular wastewater surveillance workflows, including nucleic acid (RNA/DNA) extraction, digital PCR (dPCR), conventional PCR, and Sanger sequencing, with documented accuracy in pathogen detection and quantification.
- Advanced experience executing whole‑genome sequencing (WGS) pipelines—short‑read library preparation through data analysis—to type and subtype viral agents of public health significance in wastewater samples.
- Demonstrated track record leading method verification and validation studies, including designing and interpreting Limit of Detection (LOD) assessments for new assays and instruments, and documenting scientific results in SOPs and technical reports.
- Professional skill producing weekly surveillance summaries and trend interpretations for statewide reporting; compiles results from routine testing and communicates findings to program stakeholders with clarity and precision.
- Intermediate‑to‑advanced competence in laboratory quality systems and biosafety practices, including auditing procedures for non‑conformities, training staff on newly implemented molecular tests, and supporting accreditation‑aligned quality management.
Responsibilities
- Perform molecular testing for wastewater surveillance using PCR, digital PCR (dPCR), Sanger sequencing, and whole‑genome sequencing (WGS)
- Characterize and quantify viral nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from wastewater samples with high accuracy and precision
- Conduct method verification and validation studies, including Limit of Detection (LOD) assessments for new assays and laboratory instruments
- Prepare, analyze, and report wastewater samples received from sources across the state
- Produce weekly surveillance reports summarizing results, trends, and interpretations of viral activity statewide
- Utilize molecular tools to detect, identify, group, type, and subtype bacterial and viral pathogens
- Write scientific documents, standard operating procedures, and related technical materials supporting laboratory operations
- Implement new molecular assays and workflows in alignment with laboratory quality standards
- Train laboratory staff on newly implemented molecular tests and established laboratory procedures
- Support laboratory management functions and perform additional duties as assigned within the Environmental Sciences Unit
Benefits
- Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
- Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
- In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.
- State Health Plan and State of NC Employee Benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
