Molecular Virology Technologist I

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Public Health

Job Classification Title

Medical Laboratory Technologist I (S)

Position Number

60041386

Grade

MH14

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Medical Laboratory Technologist I serves in the Molecular Virology laboratory performing specialized diagnostic and surveillance testing for viral pathogens. This position utilizes real-time PCR and advanced molecular detection techniques to support disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in compliance with CLIA regulations and quality assurance standards. Work includes handling clinical and surveillance specimens, operating complex instrumentation, and maintaining accurate data within the Laboratory Information Management System. The role also participates in quality control, verification, and validation studies to ensure accuracy and reliability of testing. Duties may extend to emergency response support during public health events.

Key Duties Include:
•Perform diagnostic testing on clinical and surveillance specimens for respiratory, vaccine-preventable, sexually transmitted, and zoonotic viral pathogens, including high-consequence agents.

•Conduct molecular characterization of pathogens, such as influenza, to support epidemiologic investigations and surveillance programs.

•Operate and maintain a wide range of laboratory instrumentation for molecular assays in compliance with SOPs and QA policies.

•Enter and manage test data accurately within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

•Prepare, package, and ship specimens for referral testing in accordance with DOT regulations.

•Perform and document daily quality control checks, instrument maintenance, and competency assessments to meet regulatory standards.

•Troubleshoot assay and equipment issues, escalating concerns to lead technologist or supervisor as needed.

•Cross-train in other virology sections to ensure operational redundancy and continuity of testing services.

•Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and inventory of supplies, reagents, and equipment according to established protocols.

•Provide laboratory support during public health emergencies, which may include working weekends or holidays as directed by management.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $56,094.00 - $84,140.00

Recruitment Range: $56,094.00 - $56,640.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Documented experience performing real-time PCR workflows—including nucleic acid extraction, assay setup, amplification, and result interpretation—for respiratory and vaccine-preventable viruses, with consistent compliance to CLIA standards and QA protocols.

• Proven experience managing test data within Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), ensuring complete and accurate reconciliation of specimen accessioning, metadata, and final reports with zero audit discrepancies.

• Hands-on experience executing quality control procedures and preventive maintenance on molecular diagnostic platforms, maintaining instrument uptime at or above 98% and producing inspection-ready documentation.

• Demonstrated experience working in BSL2 and BSL2+/BSL3 laboratory environments, including respirator use, decontamination processes, and DOT-compliant specimen packaging and shipping without safety violations.

• Experience troubleshooting molecular assays and instrumentation issues, resolving run failures, completing proficiency testing, and training new staff on validated laboratory processes.

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

This Position Is Funded In Part Through Federal Funds.

This Position Is Required To Report Onsite In Raleigh, NC For Its Duties

This Position Is Designated As “Mandatory” And Must Report Or Stay Over During Adverse Weather Events.

Employees in this position must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA ’88 personnel requirements of Testing Personnel 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

Physical Requirements:

An occupational medical assessment will be required to determine your ability to safely work with biological, chemical, or radiological hazards. This position may also require periodic medical screenings to confirm safety practices are effectively preventing occupational injury or illness. All costs associated with obtaining occupational health services are covered by NCSLPH.

• Works frequently with infectious disease agents that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as a respirator

• Uses laboratory equipment requiring ability to manipulate items with fingers, ability to grasp, and ability to feel/perceive the attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture.

About the NC Division of Public Health:

The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.

About the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH):

The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) provides statewide medical and environmental laboratory testing, consultation, and training to support public and private health providers. As the state’s reference laboratory, NCSLPH performs specialized testing and supports the development and standardization of lab procedures to ensure accurate, high-quality diagnostics.

The Laboratory also certifies milk and water testing facilities and provides training to improve laboratory services statewide. From Acanthamoeba to Zika, NCSLPH plays a vital role in protecting the health of all North Carolinians.

 Visit slph.ncpublichealth.com

Compensation and Benefits:

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive 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. Visit the website for State Benefits.

Supplemental Contact Information:

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Application Process:

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.

• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers.

• If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date.

• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.

• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.

• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.

• For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members.

Degree/College Credit Verification
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.

• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.

• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected]. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, chemistry, or a biological science from an appropriately accredited institution

OR

Associate degree in medical technology from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in a medical laboratory

OR

Completion of a Certified Laboratory Assistant course in medical technology or a comparable course and three years of experience in a medical laboratory

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Dejah Victoria Seksay

Email:

[email protected]