Job Description

Posting number: FAA01195-08/28/26

Department: Department of Public Health & Environment

Division: Laboratory Services Division

Job classification: Physical Science Researcher/Scientist IV

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Laboratory

Summary

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This posting is only open to current residents of the State of Colorado.

ABOUT CDPHE:

At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, we are charged with protecting Colorado’s health and environment – a responsibility that affects every person and every community in the state. CDPHE is distinctive because we bring public health and environmental protection together under one agency, recognizing that healthy people depend on healthy places. Our teams prevent diseases and injury, respond to emergencies ranging from E.coli outbreaks to global pandemics, reduce air pollution, protect water quality, regulate health facilities, manage environmental hazards, perform advanced laboratory testing, provide birth and death records, and implement health promoting programs. We turn science and data into action, set statewide standards, and work alongside local public health agencies and community partners to meet Colorado’s most pressing health and environmental challenges. Working at CDPHE means applying your expertise to complex, consequential work that can improve lives across the state.

Our mission captures this broad portfolio of work: to advance Colorado’s health and protect the places we live, learn, work, and play. Our vision is a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations can thrive. Achieving the mission and vision takes bold action, talented people, broad partnerships, and a commitment to serving every Coloradan.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:( Select as Applicable)

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

CDPHE Offers:

CDPHE offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to build a meaningful career in public service. Benefits include:

• Medical and dental plans.
• Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan.
• Optional 401(K) and 457 retirement plans.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Potential flexible working arrangements
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous paid time off.
• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Career opportunities throughout Colorado state government.

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Examples of duties

The Work Unit:

The Environmental Microbiology Program performs analytical laboratory testing on environmental samples, such as water and food samples. This unit also supports the extensive FDA Grade “A” regulatory requirements to inspect and perform rigorous testing on milk products to ensure safe consumption. This unit exists to ensure accurate and timely test results for the support of environmental monitoring and management.

What You Will Do:

The purpose of this position is to provide leadership, management, and technical oversight for the Environmental Microbiology Unit. This position is responsible for directing and supervising daily laboratory operations, personnel, testing activities, and quality systems to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant analytical services that support public health, environmental monitoring, and regulatory programs. The unit supervisor ensures that environmental and food samples are received, handled, tested, documented, and reported in accordance with applicable EPA, FDA, ISO, state, and federal regulatory requirements, laboratory accreditation standards, and established quality management system procedures. This position performs testing as necessary and provides technical guidance to staff regarding testing methodologies, interpretation of results, troubleshooting, and implementation of established testing algorithms.

Key Responsibilities:

Supervision

• Direct, supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate professional, technical, and support staff within the Environmental Microbiology Unit.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, and monitor workload to ensure timely completion of testing, reporting, and project deliverables.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight to staff regarding testing methodologies, interpretation of results, troubleshooting, and implementation of established testing algorithms.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching, training, and professional development opportunities.

Analytical Testing and Oversight

• Oversee daily laboratory operations to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant testing services.
• Ensure specimens and environmental samples are received, handled, processed, tested, documented, and reported according to applicable EPA, FDA, ISO, state, and federal requirements.
• Perform testing as needed using approved methodologies and established testing algorithms.
• Review, evaluate, and authorize analytical data, reports, and technical findings for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Perform and oversee quality assurance and quality control activities, including proficiency testing and quality monitoring programs.

Method Development and Validation

• Lead method development, validation, verification, implementation, and performance evaluation activities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, instrumentation, and analytical methods to improve laboratory capabilities.
• Develop, review, revise, and approve standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, validation protocols, and associated technical documentation.
• Monitor method performance and implement improvements based on quality indicators, regulatory changes, and scientific advancements.

General Laboratory Support

• Maintain oversight of laboratory quality systems, accreditation requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with laboratory information management, data integrity, record retention, and documentation requirements.
• Coordinate equipment procurement, maintenance, calibration, qualification, and service activities.
• Manage laboratory inventory, supplies, reagents, and consumables to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Administrative Support and Customer Service

• Manage unit budgets, financial resources, purchasing activities, contracts, and equipment acquisitions.
• Serve as a liaison between the Environmental Microbiology Unit, laboratory leadership, clients, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Provide technical consultation and subject matter expertise to clients, partners, regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.
• Respond to client inquiries and resolve service-related concerns in a professional and timely manner.
• Communicate analytical findings, testing limitations, quality concerns, and technical recommendations to clients and collaborators.

Qualifications

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description:

I3B5** Physical Science Researcher/Scientist IV

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

A combination of related education in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, science and/or relevant experience in biology, method development and validation, laboratory work, chemistry, or related to the work assigned equal to nine (9) years closely related 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 nine (9) 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.

**You must substantiate that you meet the minimum qualifications when filling out the Work Experience section of the application. Failure to do so will result in the application not moving forward in the hiring process. “See resume” will not be accepted. Resumes are considered supplemental information and are not considered in the initial evaluation. In addition, part-time work will be prorated when determining whether minimum qualifications are met.**

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:

• Masters or PhD in Microbiology or related field
• Two (2)+ years experience directly supervising high complexity testing in a CLIA or ISO17025 regulated laboratory and ability to quality as a Technical Supervisor under CLIA regulations within 1 year of hire.
• Method Development and Validation: Demonstrated expertise in conducting method development and validation studies, including experience with troubleshooting existing methodologies, developing method validation plans, and creating standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements and compliance standards in the context of laboratory testing, particularly as they pertain to public health and safety.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in handling and manipulating hazardous chemicals and high-pressure gases, as well as operating, calibrating, and maintaining analytical equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Collaboration and Training: Ability to work effectively in a team environment, demonstrated experience in advising and training other team members, and active participation in collaborative problem-solving initiatives.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to perform and interpret complex scientific analyses accurately and efficiently, with attention to detail and adherence to quality assurance requirements.
• Adaptability: Capacity to adapt to new technologies, methodologies, and procedures in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
• Problem-Solving: Proven ability to identify and address analytical trends, troubleshoot issues, and resolve challenges related to sample analyses and laboratory operations.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey technical information and provide scientific consultation and recommendations to team members and stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: Capacity to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain accurate and well-documented records to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Commitment to Safety: Dedication to maintaining a safe laboratory environment, including the proper handling of hazardous chemicals and adherence to safety protocols.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Residency Requirement Options:
• This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
• Residents and non-residents of Colorado may apply and be hired into this position as the work will be performed primarily at a location that is within 30 miles of the state border.
• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• Critical Status: 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.
• Critical Status: 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.
• Critical Status: 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.
• TRAVEL: Varies per year, up to three times per year three to four nights.

Appeal Rights:

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. Email address: dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.

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 cdphe_benefits@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.