LABORATORY RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Position Overview

IDPH is seeking a highly motivated doctorate Scientist with extensive experience in clinical microbiology, molecular biology, whole genome sequencing, and virology within public health laboratory settings. Adept at applying advanced diagnostic and genomic technologies to detect, characterize, and monitor infectious diseases, supporting timely and data-driven public health responses. Proven ability to optimize laboratory workflows, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to high-impact research and surveillance initiatives. 

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas (when available and dependent upon position)
• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
• 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
• 12 paid sick days annually which carryover year to year
• 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro-rated dependent on start date)
• 13-14 paid holidays per year
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

*These are just a few of the many perks available to all State employees. For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Essential Functions

• Develops, evaluates, validates, and implements new testing including microbiological assays, next generation sequencing and other molecular biology assays on environmental and clinical specimens for known pathogens of infectious disease, which may include testing on rabies specimens or identification of select agents.
• Writes, reviews and updates laboratory procedures.
• Provides technical assistance and training on the use of complex testing techniques and methods.
• Performs thorough literature searches of scientific/medical research for application of testing methods on disease causing organisms.
• Maintains cultures of viable pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms for methods development and controls, such as clinical, waterborne and food borne viruses, bacteria, parasites, etc.
• Participates in national or regional collaborations to further the development and implementation of testing at state public health laboratories.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Doctor of Philosophy degree in chemistry, immunology, microbiology, toxicology, virology, or other scientific discipline closely related to these fields, to include professional laboratory experience in basic or applied laboratory research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years experience in developing and implementing research, clinical or environmental assays.
• Thorough knowledge in conducting responsible, independent basic and applied laboratory research and applying the results obtained to upgrade the analytical capability of laboratories.
• Extensive knowledge of the laboratory sciences.
• Two (2) years experience maintaining cooperative relationships with the technical/scientific personnel in other state agencies, local health jurisdictions and the general public.
• Extensive knowledge in preparing scientific articles and presenting lectures outlining the results of complex research.
• One (1) year experience in training and directing professional laboratory personnel in new testing methods.

Conditions of Employment

• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

*The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $1.8 Billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,400 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.