OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV

Requisition No:
Agency: Department of Health
Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV -
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number:
Salary: AGENCY TO UPDATE
Posting Closing Date: 10/01/2025
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
Open Competitive
Your Specific Responsibilities:
This position will be based in the Jacksonville Molecular Department at the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories-Jacksonville. The work for this position will be done in conjunction with the Tuberculosis Department which will include working in a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) environment.
Responsibilities will include:
Receiving specimens
Assisting with data entry
Extraction of mycobacteria and/or candida for whole genome sequencing in the BSL3
Follow all safety rules and standard operating procedures for the laboratory
Following established sequencing protocols without deviation
Performing tasks related with Quality Control (QC), Quality Assurance (QA), and appropriate documentation of QC
Perform routine equipment maintenance as directed
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology
Knowledge and understanding of Laboratory policies, procedures, and protocols
Skills in following Standard Operating Procedures without deviation
Skills in pipetting, nucleic acid manipulation, and working with DNA/RNA
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
Qualifications:
Minimum - A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. An existing Florida Clinical Laboratory license OR qualify for, are willing to apply for, and maintain a Florida Clinical Laboratory license.
Preferred - A Master's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. An existing Florida Clinical Laboratory license OR qualify for, are willing to apply for, and maintain a Florida Clinical Laboratory license.
Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:
Mission:
To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.
Vision:
To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.
Values:
I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.
C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.
A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.
R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.
E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.
Where You Will Work:
Jacksonville
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available:

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements. Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Workers' Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit Please be advised:
Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.
This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.
Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website:
If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.
The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system. E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.
Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.
All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center ( ). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section , F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women. The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise. Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center ( ). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section , F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
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