Job Information
State of Michigan Laboratory Scientist 9-P11 - Plant Pathology Laboratory Operations in East Lansing, Michigan
Laboratory Scientist 9-P11 - Plant Pathology Laboratory Operations
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Laboratory Scientist 9-P11 - Plant Pathology Laboratory Operations
Salary
$23.14 - $39.00 Hourly
Location
East Lansing, MI
Job Type
Permanent Full Time
Job Number
7901-24-PPPM-044
Department
Agriculture and Rural Development
Opening Date
09/11/2024
Closing Date
9/18/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING (SEIU)
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Description
Food and Agriculture is one of the largest industries in Michigan. Grow with us and make a difference!
About this Position:
As the only Laboratory Scientist within the Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division, this position provides plant disease diagnostics and advisory services in the Plant Pathology Laboratory Program for regulatory purposes and the overall protection of Michigan’s Agriculture from potentially damaging plant diseases. The person in this position will perform molecular, chemical, and morphological analysis and identification of microbial plant pathogens. Tasks include preparation of sample specimens for disease diagnosis, filing records of laboratory activities, communicating test results to customers, setting up and running PCR apparatus, conducting ELISA tests, and analyzing results. The position requires familiarity with the basic biology of plants and microbial organisms. Maintain the laboratory in good order by organizing and keeping all laboratory apparatus in working condition. This position is required to follow established standard operating procedures and meet quality, quantity, and timeliness standards for assigned work.
Position Description (https://MCSC.state.mi.us/AgencyPDFs/LabSci 9-11PositionDescription_8-2024 - Cleaned.pdf)
About MDARD:
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is comprised of four bureaus that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector; safeguard the public's food supply; inspect and enforce sound animal health practices; control and eradicate plant pests and diseases threatening the $104.7 billion food and agriculture system; preserve the environment by which the farming community makes their living and feeds consumers; and protect consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures.
MDARD offers a positive work-life balance with optional hybrid work options and flexible work schedules. Department leaders support a great team culture and are committed to professional development.
MDARD is committed to a department-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion program that builds upon our values and invests in our employees. We provide an inclusive culture through involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized.
Required Education and Experience
Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, forensic science, or a related pure or applied science.
Experience
Laboratory Scientist 9
No specific type or amount is required.
Laboratory Scientist 10
One year of professional experience carrying out a variety of tests, analyses, or production and research activities involving chemical, biochemical and biological samples, specimens, and products equivalent to a Laboratory Scientist 9.
Laboratory Scientist P11
Two years of professional experience carrying out a variety of tests, analyses, or production and research activities involving chemical, biochemical and biological samples, specimens, and products equivalent to a Laboratory Scientist, including one year equivalent to a Laboratory Scientist 10.
Additional Requirements and Information
Please attach a cover letter, resume and official college transcripts (if applicable) to your application. For our purposes, "Official Transcripts" must contain the college/university name and address, the degree conferred and date granted, coursework completed (especially if no degree granted), and the Registrar's signature and/or seal.
Information provided in your application, resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any other documentation provided will be used to verify responses to the supplemental questions. Unsupported responses may not be considered further.
Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department/Agency for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.
View the entire job specification at:https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/L/LaboratoryScientist.pdf
State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:
Rewarding Work:State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state’s military and veterans; rebuild our state’s infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.
Insurance Benefits:The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees’ annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available atwww.mi.gov/employeebenefits.
Retirement Programs:The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state’s contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available athttp://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.
Vacation and Sick Leave:Eligible full-time employees receive between15 and 35 personal daysand13 sick daysper year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.
Paid Parental Leave:Eligible employees can take12 weeks of paid leaveimmediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.
Paid Holidays:Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year’s Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.
Bonus Programs:Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.
Military Pay Differential:Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.
Tax-Advantaged Programs:In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.
Student Loan Forgiveness:Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans.Information (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation) to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition Reduction:Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.
Professional Development:To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.
Alternative and Remote Work Schedules:Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.
Great Lakes and Great Times:Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park—just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan’s affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.
Updated: 2/28/24
01
LABSCI – Do you possess a bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, forensic science, or a related pure or applied science? If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts.
Yes
No
02
LABSCI – Please select your level of experience:
None to one year of professional experience carrying out a variety of tests, analyses, or production and research activities involving chemical, biochemical and biological samples, specimens, and products equivalent to a Laboratory Scientist.
At least one year of professional experience carrying out a variety of tests, analyses, or production and research activities involving chemical, biochemical and biological samples, specimens, and products equivalent to a Laboratory Scientist.
At least two years of professional experience carrying out a variety of tests, analyses, or
At least three years of professional experience carrying out a variety of tests, analyses, or production and research activities involving chemical, biochemical and biological samples, specimens, and products equivalent to a Laboratory Scientist.
03
Do you have a BA/BS, or advanced degree in biology, microbiology, plant pathology or plant biology related field? If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts.
None
Biology
Microbiology
Plant Pathology
Plant Biology
Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
Other
04
EQUIVALENCY – If you do not meet the standard education and experience requirements in the job specification, do you believe that other education and experience provide you the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties listed in the position description?
Yes
No
05
EQUIVALENCY - If you answered yes to the previous question, please be as detailed as possible in describing the education and experience you would like considered, including providing credits earned and specific dates and hours worked per week.
06
Please select your level of experience carrying out a variety of tests, analyses, or production and research activities involving biological samples, specimens, and products equivalent to a Laboratory Scientist:
None
At least one year of professional experience
At least two years of professional experience
At least three years or more of professional experience
07
Explain your experience with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques and instrumentation. Identify where your experience with PCR and ELISA is located on your resume. Include position title and employment dates. If your response does not fit in the box below, please write "see attachment" in the box and attach your response as a separate document to your application materials. If you do not possess this experience, write "N/A".
08
If you did not answer with N/A in question 4 above, please select all that apply from the options below regarding the number of years' experience using PCR and ELISA:
None
I have less than 1 year experience using PCR
I have less than 1 year experience using ELISA
I have between 1-3 years' experience using PCR
I have between 1-3 years' experience using ELISA
I have greater than 3 years' experience using PCR
I have greater than 3 years' experience using ELISA
09
Do you have experience in developing and/or managing a Quality Management System for the laboratory (i.e. accreditation)?
Yes
No
10
*If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please explain. If your response does not fit in the box below, please write "see attachment" in the box and attach your response as a separate document to your application materials. If you do not possess this experience, write "N/A".
11
QOL - Did you attach a cover letter, resume, and official college transcripts (if applicable) to your application? (Failure to do so may result in your application being screened out.)
Yes
No
Required Question
Agency
State of Michigan
Department
Agriculture and Rural Development
Address
525 West Allegan Street
mda-hr-resumes@michigan.gov
Lansing, Michigan, 48909
Phone
517-284-5014
Website
https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/about/careers
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