Laboratory Scientist I

Job Description:

Laboratory Scientist I

Description

Job Posting Title
Laboratory Scientist I

Agency
340 OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Supervisory Organization
340 Public Health Lab Service

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)
October 01, 2025
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 $55,935.36, 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 $55,935.36, based on education and experience

Full Time /Part Time : Full time

Work Schedule : Monday - Friday

Primary Hours : 8-5

Position Description:

This is the basic level within the Laboratory Scientist job family. A Laboratory Scientist I in a public health laboratory performs standardized testing, while under close supervision, 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 assist in data analysis, reporting of results, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

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.
  
• 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 instruments and equipment to ensure operational integrity and analytical accuracy.
  
• Participate in external proficiency testing (PT) programs and ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, or other applicable regulatory requirements.
  
• 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.
  
• Demonstrate 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, biological, clinical or medical lab science or medical technology, OR
  
• Associate Degree of Medical Lab Technology (MLT) plus 2 years of clinical laboratory experience .
  

Preferred qualifications include:

• Have education to include: 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.
  
• 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.
  
• Experience in a clinical or other laboratory setting.
  

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

Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles and applied methodologies in clinical and public health laboratory sciences, including but not limited to chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and related disciplines. A comprehensive understanding of laboratory-associated hazards and adherence to applicable biosafety, chemical safety, and infection control protocols is essential for the position.

Proficiency in performing routine and specialized laboratory procedures within one or more disciplines, such as microbiology, immunology, molecular diagnostics, and/or clinical biochemistry, using validated methods and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Ability to interpret and follow technical protocols, regulatory guidelines, and quality assurance practices. Capable of maintaining effective professional relationships with colleagues, interdisciplinary teams, and external stakeholders. Must possess strong communication skills to clearly and concisely convey technical information both verbally and in writing.

Exhibit a high degree of initiative, responsibility, and dedication to task completion, prioritization of workload, and timely execution of assignments. Demonstrates accountability and engagement in the continuous improvement of laboratory processes and outcomes.

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