Rabies Laboratory Technologist I

About the role

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Description of Work The Rabies Laboratory Technologist I position functions as a bench technologist in the Rabies Laboratory at the NC State Laboratory of Public Health, performing diagnostic testing of animal specimens for the presence of rabies virus. The role's primary technical scope includes Direct Fluorescent Antibody testing of necropsied brain tissue, as well as participation in new diagnostic methods introduced in the laboratory. The Rabies Laboratory Technologist I position operates within a high‑throughput public health laboratory environment and performs laboratory procedures ranging from specimen accessioning to slide preparation, staining, and result interpretation. The technologist also conducts necropsy procedures, wildlife species identification, and supports emergency and outbreak‑related testing needs. This role may require participation in an on‑call schedule to ensure timely diagnostics during weekends, holidays, and urgent events. Key Duties Include: - Perform Direct Fluorescent Antibody testing of necropsied brain tissue to detect rabies virus. - Conduct specimen accessioning, labeling, and controlled handling of animal samples submitted for diagnostic testing. - Complete necropsy and dissection procedures to obtain required tissues for laboratory analysis. - Prepare laboratory slides through tissue imprinting, fixation, staining, and controlled processing steps. - Interpret stained slides using fluorescence microscopy and document results in accordance with laboratory procedures. - Perform species identification of bats, foxes, skunks, and other wildlife submitted for rabies investigations. - Support validation and implementation of new or updated diagnostic methods introduced in the Rabies Laboratory. - Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and labware required for testing workflows. - Participate in on‑call rotations to provide emergency rabies testing during weekends and holidays. - Assist additional laboratory units during outbreak responses or periods of increased testing volume. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Grade Range: $58,265.00 - $87,396.00 Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred: Expert‑level performance of Direct Fluorescent Antibody-based diagnostic workflows, including slide preparation, staining, and interpretation to support rabies virus detection. Demonstrated experience conducting necropsy and tissue dissection procedures using laboratory‑grade surgical tools for preparation of diagnostic specimens. Proficient execution of specimen accessioning processes, including controlled handling, labeling, and documentation of animal samples submitted for laboratory testing. Applied experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment and labware used in virology and serology testing environments. Hands‑on experience identifying wildlife species such as bats, foxes, and skunks to support accurate classification of specimens submitted for rabies investigations. The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date This Position Is Designated As Mandatory And Must Report Or Stay Over During Adverse Weather Events Physical Requirements: An occupational medical assessment may be required to determine your ability to safely work with biological, chemical, or radiological hazards. This position may also require periodic medical screenings to confirm safety practices are effectively preventing occupational injury or illness. All costs associated with obtaining occupational health services are covered by NCSLPH. This position: Works frequently with infectious disease agents that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as a respirator. Uses laboratory equipment requiring ability to manipulate items with fingers, ability to grasp, and ability to feel/perceive the attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture. Immunization against rabies is a precondition of employment within the rabies laboratory, along with periodic serological assessments of immunization to ensure that the employ

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Additional Information

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Public Health Job Classification Title Medical Laboratory Technologist I (S) Position Number 60041369 Grade MH14

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