Job Description

Posting number: FAA02486-07/27/2026

Department: Department of Public Health & Environment

Division: Laboratory Services Division

Job classification: Physical Science Researcher/Scientist I

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Laboratory

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

ABOUT US:

At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

We support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• The referral list generated by this position announcement may be used to fill multiple position vacancies and may be extended.
• This position will have hybrid workplace options available, at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs. The employee will still be required to report to the agency address listed on this announcement.

Be BOLD.....Make a REAL difference . . . join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play, to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

CDPHE offers:

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Flexible working arrangements
• Retirement ( PERA options), Medical and dental health plans
• Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness programs
• Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

Examples of duties

The Work Unit:

The Colorado Newborn Screening Program (CONBSP) within the Colorado Public Health Lab (CPHL) 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 posting is used to hire several scientist positions within CONBSP (Quality Assurance Scientist, Molecular Testing Scientist, and Molecular Testing Scientist),. The scientist position is a subject matter expert in one of the following fields: quality assurance, molecular testing, or mass spectrometry testing. The QA scientist will be a scientific facilitator for implementation of new disorders, quality assurance and quality improvement. These positions may draft and assist in validation plans for methods and instruments. May serve as the primary reviewer for disorders tested for by CONBSP. These positions will schedule, train, and participate in all activities related to testing of new or established disorders. These positions monitor, establish and participate in quality assurance processes

Key Responsibilities:

Validations for new and existing equipment, disorders, and testing methods

• These positions conduct research into methods for current and new testing. They develop or support development of plans to validate these methods. The methodology is based on a combination of Laboratory SOP’s, research of current scientific literature, studies, and research papers, and formal education or experience in a testing laboratory for testing methodology of human specimens. The positions collaborate with the Bench Scientist,, NBS Scientist Supervisor and/or QA Specialist to share findings and discuss appropriateness of findings for implementation in the NBS Program to improve reliability and consistency of testing methods.
• These positions also work with the NBS Program Manager, Scientist Supervisor, and Bench Scientist to optimize interpretative logic in the NBS LIMS. The position is expected to be aware of which analytes and/or conditions require covariates for correct interpretation. The positions evaluate cutoff values on an ongoing basis to ensure that testing is correctly identifying and categorizing disorders screened by the NBS program

Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC)
This position ensures the quality assurance is being met for staff, instruments, processes and daily assays for disorder testing. The QA is based on a combination of SOP’s, research of current scientific literature, studies, and research papers, and formal education or experience in a testing laboratory for quality assurance best practices. The position may collaborate with the NBS Program Manager, NBS Staff, and/or the Laboratory QA Specialist and Safety Program Manager to share findings and discuss appropriateness of findings for implementation in the NBS Program to improve quality standards. This position operates, calibrates, verifies, compares and maintains equipment used in analysis and documents the functionality of the instrumentation.

Analytic Testing

• Perform high-complexity clinical testing in compliance with CLIA to identify newborns at risk. This may include becoming a subject matter expert in mass spectrometry or molecular methods as well as maintaining bench competencies for weekend operations.
• Perform daily testing using current instruments for conditions determined by the Colorado Board of Health; to thus prevent or reduce the morbidity associated with these disorders.
• Perform sample review and preparation for testing on instruments.
• Perform result review and reporting.

LIMS and Interoperability Support

• The position may provide implementation of software support to the NBS Program. Examples of such support include LIMS subject matter expert training and updates. The position trains with the vendor to provide LIMS support and training to NBS staff at a high level as a LIMS core team member.
• The position engages with NBS LIMS administrator, vital records and the LIMS vendor to ensure the NBS program LIMS is up to date and operational for new disorders and/or cutoff updates.

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:

I3B2T* Physical Science Researcher/Scientist I

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

Five (5) years of relevant experience in a laboratory setting performing biological, microbiological, biochemical or molecular science testing with an emphasis on directing or designing quality assurance (QA) protocols and safety procedures.
OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education biological and/or physical science (e.g., microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry or genetics and/or relevant experience in a laboratory setting performing biological, microbiological, biochemical or molecular science testing with an emphasis on directing or designing quality assurance (QA) protocols and safety procedures equal to five (5) years.

**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.**

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

• An advanced degree in biological and/or physical science (e.g., microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, or genetics)
• Ability to collaborate and achieve consensus across work units and programs
• In-depth knowledge of laboratory regulatory requirements (e.g., CLIA, EPA, FDA, ISO)
• In-depth knowledge of chemical safety recommendations
• Ability to strategize, organize and plan, including creating and updating training plans
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with a wide range of customers
• Knowledge of and use of desktop computer hardware and software
• Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to interpret regulations and statutes
• Ability to interpret and analyze data
• Keen attention to detail
• Ability to self-motivate
• Ability to work well independently as well as in/with a team

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• 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.

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.