CDPHE ONLY - NBS Scientific Intern

Department Information

NOTICE OF PROPOSED REALLOCATION

Position Number:   FAA 02330      Held by:  Butts, J

This position is located in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Division of Disease Control and Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response, and has been recommended for reallocation to Physical Sciences Researcher/Scientist Intern.

  

This announcement represents the selection process for an occupied, reclassified state position. This position is open only to classified permanent employees of the Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Applications will not be considered from any individuals not specifically covered by these strict eligibility requirements.  

This position will be onsite and required to report to the office located at:  8100 E Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80230 

Description of Job

The Work Unit:

The Colorado Newborn Screening Program (CONBSP) within the Colorado State Public Health Lab (CSPHL) exists to comply with state law that all newborns in Colorado are screened for the following conditions: Phenylketonuria, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Hemoglobinopathies, Galactosemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Biotinidase Deficiency, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Amino Acidemias, Organic Acidemias, Fatty Acid Oxidation disorders, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Pompe, MPSI, X-ALD and other conditions determined by the Colorado Board of Health; to thus prevent or reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases. Also, to ensure that families of affected newborns receive proper follow-up and education for these disorders.

What You Will Do: 

This position exists to aid with the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic components of clinical testing of dried blood spot (DBS) samples within CONBSP. Specific activities include, but are not limited to: 1) receipt and handling of samples, 2) preparation of samples for testing, 3) initial testing of samples, and 4) initial review of testing data. This position trains on secondary review and reporting of results to facilities. This position aids with general components of clinical human-specimen testing in a CLIA-regulated lab, such as maintaining a safe and organized workplace, as well as help support customer service to ensure that accurate result reports are provided to authorized recipients.

Key Responsibilities:

Analytical Testing

• This position performs analytical testing to identify newborns at risk for Phenylketonuria, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Hemoglobinopathies, Galactosemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Biotinidase Deficiency, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Amino Acidemias, Organic Acidemias, Fatty Acid Oxidation disorders, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Pompe, MPSI, X-ALD and other conditions determined by the Colorado Board of Health. The goal of this testing is to prevent or reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases.
• This position is able to train and instruct entry level staff on testing procedures, concepts, and basic problem solving/troubleshooting.
• This position monitors kit lots of reagents used, QA/QC materials for the bench, and performs kit lot parallels.
•  This position adheres to all laboratory SOPs and safety requirements. They are proficient and demonstrate documentable competency in the performance of analytical functions for every clinical method in CONBSP, and participate in the lab’s proficiency testing and reporting.
  This position performs testing of samples on their assigned bench daily, and maintains all paperwork and QA/QC logs associated with the bench.
  This position is expected to maintain competencies for the entire range of assignable duties, while participating in a bench rotation cycle that is expected to involve extended gaps between assignments for benches.

Maintaining Instruments and Equipment/General Lab Support

• This position operates, calibrates, and maintains equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis of specimens. They verify equipment functionality and document
  maintenance performed. They work with supervisors to report any issues and contact vendors when equipment needs preventative maintenance or repair.
• This position contributes to maintaining inventory of testing reagents and materials for both their specific bench assignment, as well as the overall NBS program.
• This position follows safety protocols and SOPs for setting up, cleaning, decontaminating, and maintaining laboratory equipment and work surfaces.
  This position may train entry level staff on instrument maintenance.
• This position completes other general lab support as assigned by program supervisors.
  

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

• Work with the NBS Molecular Scientist to generate the sample request worklist and pull samples for second tier testing and prepare the plate using a Panthera puncher instrument.
• Extracts the weekly samples using clean molecular techniques and unidirectional workflows to avoid cross-contamination.
• Prepare the multiplexed and indexed PCR reagents for the DNA library preparation, using precise pipetting and labeling of all kit components and solutions for traceability.
• Performs DNA library prep, consisting of multiplexed PCR, post-multiplex PCR clean-up, indexing PCR, post-index PCR clean-up, and DNA pooling.
  

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. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Experience Only:

Four (4) 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 equal to four (4) years

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.

**This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.**

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• 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.

• CLIA certified laboratory – Must adhere to CLIA regulations, including educational requirements.

• Staff must be able to distinguish between colors for a colormetric assay review.

Appeal Rights: 

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

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.

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 individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at [email protected] or call 303-692-2060, option 5.

Benefits

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program.  Please click the following link for detailed information:  www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits 

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
 

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of ColoradoAddress See the full announcement by clicking
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Location varies by announcement, Colorado, -- Website https://careers.colorado.gov/