Review Vacancy
TitleResearch Scientist 1 (Virology) - 14390
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $66951 to $85138 Annually
Street Address Wadsworth Center, Division of Infectious Diseases, Diagnostic Immunology (DIL)
David Axelrod Institue, 120 New Scotland Ave
Duties Description The selected candidate will be involved in all aspects of infectious disease serology specimen processing including arbovirus and tick-borne pathogen testing. The selected candidate will also perform serology testing related to certain common vaccine-preventable diseases. Responsibilities will also include the management of specimen entry into the laboratory information management system (CLIMS); performing standard serology assays including, samples for Zika, West Nile Virus, or Chikungunya IgM, capture ELISAs, Luminex assays (Flavivirus microsphere immunoassay, Arbovirus microsphere assay), arbovirus and tickborne pathogen indirect immunofluorescence assays, Lyme disease ELISAs and Western blots; maintain the laboratory’s test results in CLIMS; assist in the development and optimization of in-house serology and molecular assays for infectious agents; evaluation of commercial assays, and special projects utilizing serology assays; prepare standard operating procedures as needed and assist in the preparation of validation packets for the Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program; supervise new staff as needed and prepare PowerPoint presentations for lab meetings. The selected candidate will also contribute to testing clinical specimens as needed for surge testing during outbreaks.
Minimum Qualifications Non-Competitive: bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences and two years of post-degree professional research experience* in an appropriate field.
*Substitutions: master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.
Preferred Qualifications: The preferred candidate will have work experience or course work in clinical laboratory sciences, microbiology, public health or infectious diseases. Experience in clinical or diagnostic immunology principles and practice, including Luminex-based assays, ELISAs, and fluorescence microscopy. Familiarity with molecular biology principles and experience in asceptic techniques and general molecular biology techniques. A knowledge of good laboratory practice (GLP) is desirable, as is familiarity with procedures performed per CLEP/CLIA standards. Experience with CLIMS or a similar information management system is desirable. Supervisory and/or teamwork experience is a plus. The preferred candidate will have excellent written and communication skills.
Additional Comments This position will require the incumbent will meet all Federal requirements for staff who perform clinical testing, including the educational requirements. These requirements can be found here: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-G/part-493/subpart-M/subject-group-ECFR2640b368593bdb0/section-493.1489. Candidates with foreign degrees are responsible for obtaining equivalency, through an approved Civil Service vendor: https://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm.
Dependent upon the initial assignment or subsequent reassignment of this position satisfactory background checks may be required. Additionally, exposure to potentially hazardous substances may be involved with this position; the selected candidate may be required to wear personal protective clothing and equipment and may undergo pre-employment and/or periodic health evaluations and receive specific immunizations.
When reviewing qualifications, omissions and vagueness cannot be interpreted in the candidate’s favor. Candidates are responsible for providing accurate and clear descriptions of their experience demonstrating how they meet the minimum qualifications.
This position may require travel throughout New York State including overnights to areas not served by public transportation.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
The NYS Department of Health is committed to making New York a safer, healthier, and more equitable place to live. Understanding health equity, social determinants of health and health disparities is critical to accomplish our goal of eliminating health disparities. For more information on the NYS Department of Health’s Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan, please visit: https://health.ny.gov/commissioner/index.htm
If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact by phone 518-486-1812 or email doh.sm.Reasonable.Accommodation@health.ny.gov to make a request.
The NYS Department of Health does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate of the position (beginning of the salary range). Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations, and negotiated union contracts.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Human Resources Management Group, NMH/RS1/14390
Email Address resume@health.ny.gov
Address
Street Corning Tower Building, Empire State Plaza, Room 2217
Notes on ApplyingPlease submit your resume and cover letter as one (1) document, preferably in PDF format, by email to resume@health.ny.gov, with Reference NMH/RS1/14390 included in the subject line or by mail to Human Resources Management Group, NMH/RS1/14390, Rm 2217, Corning Tower Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237-0012, or by fax to (518) 473-3395. Failure to include the required information may result in your resume not being considered for this position. Resumes will be accepted until September 25, 2026.

