The County of San Diego's Health and Human Services Agency is currently accepting applications for
EPIDEMIOLOGIST II - Molecular Scientist
Interviews and job offers for selected candidates will take place beginning the week of July 22, 2024.
This position is eligible for appointment at step 5, $112,257.60 annually.
May be eligible for relocation allowance up to $8,000
The County of San Diego Public Health Laboratory is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Epidemiologist with specialization in Molecular Science. This position supports the public health laboratory’s next-generation sequencing program. This includes generation of target genetic sequences, amplicon qualification and quantitation, DNA/RNA library preparation and generation of sequence data using nucleic acid sequencing instrumentation and reagents.
The ideal candidate must be able to work in a complex environment with professionals in public health, laboratory staff, epidemiology, and information technology; be proficient in next-generation sequencing technology, molecular sequencing, molecular testing techniques which include PCR and ddPCR, and use of bioinformatics data for disease investigations; be skilled at documentation with a strong attention to detail and communicate complex technical information to a wide range of non-technical audiences or constituencies. Additionally, a quality candidate will have knowledge of the following technical proficiencies:
Molecular Scientist
- Knowledge in the field of microbiology, molecular biology, molecular chemistry, and microbial population genetics.
- Experience with research and development of assays and troubleshooting.
- Public health reporting, information system standards, and public health data.
- Principles and practices of epidemiology, and methods of collecting, compiling, and analyzing statistical and other research data.
- Informatics skills necessary to analyst and visualize whole genome sequencing data for the evaluation of phylogenetic relatedness, genotypic markers, and other actionable public health information.
- Familiarity with the following instruments or techniques: MiSeq/NextSeq - Thermal Cyclers - Centrifuges - TapeStation - SpectraMax - Pipettes - Liquid Handling Robots - Automated RNA/DNA extraction equipment (e.g. Qiacube) - Qubit Fluorometer - ddPCR.
For a complete description of the duties and responsibilities of Epidemiologist II, please click here.
To learn more about Public Health Services of the Health and Human Services Agency, see the Strategic Plan: Public Health Services Strategic Plan—2023-24 and 2024-25.
HIRING TIMELINE AND DATES
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below. - Job Offer and Background Process begins week of July 22, 2024. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Two (2) years of experience as an Epidemiologist I in the County of San Diego; OR,
- A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in public health with specialization in epidemiology, bio-statistics, or a related field, AND, two (2) years of professional epidemiology experience.
Note: A Ph.D. in epidemiology, public health, life science or a closely related field from an accredited U.S. college or university is highly desirable.
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
EVALUATION PROCESS
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental application. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Note:
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.
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