Location: Tyler,TX, USA
Job Summary:
The Public Health Laboratory Data Scientist is responsible for laboratory testing and data analysis related to population studies and the surveillance of human pathogens. The position performs routine and specialized laboratory procedures, uploading and analyzing data, and supports various public health laboratory projects.
Major Responsibilities / Duties / Critical Tasks:
* Foster a positive working environment through professionalism and collaboration with colleagues.
* Ensure timely and accurate results of laboratory procedures by applying technical expertise.
* Assist coworkers to maintain productivity and ensure specimens are processed according to laboratory guidelines.
* Contribute to the design and implementation of wastewater surveillance to support Texas public health initiatives.
* Provide data analysis and visualization support to the Wastewater Surveillance Project Manager.
* Collaborate with external stakeholders such as the CDC, state and local public health departments, laboratories, and sanitation agencies.
* Work with internal teams, including epidemiology, modeling, and genomic experts, to develop use cases and interpret wastewater data for public health purposes.
* Participate in regular conference calls with partners, including the CDC, APHL, local health officers, and academia.
* Collaborate effectively within a team environment.
* Conduct literature reviews of environmental and wastewater surveillance studies.
* Present findings on conference calls, at meetings, and scientific conferences.
* Write scientific reports, protocols, abstracts, and publications to communicate results and advance public health uses of wastewater surveillance.
* Support organizational priorities to maintain compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
* Exhibit problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and evaluate critical laboratory results.
* Participate in training and mentoring new employees, students, or interns, including lectures and bench techniques.
* Engage in self-evaluation and take action to improve knowledge and skills.
* Promote consensus building and apply conflict resolution techniques.
* Perform other duties as assigned.
Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:
* Ability to manage time efficiently and work autonomously with professionalism and confidentiality.
* Proficiency in providing clear and effective feedback while maintaining confidentiality.
* Knowledge of laboratory techniques and principles.
* Ability to prioritize and organize workload effectively.
* Competency in following procedural directions and protocols.
* Ability to work collaboratively within a laboratory team.
* Proficiency with analytical software (e.g., Python, R Studio, SPSS, JMP, PowerBI).
Required Education / Experience:
* Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical or biological science, or in public health.
* Two (2) years of relevant experience.
* Experience working in a laboratory setting.
* Experience in analyzing data and providing results.
* Advanced experience working with analytical software.
* May accept a combination of education and experience.
Preferred Education / Experience:
* Preferred experience in working in a laboratory setting (molecular skills preferred).
* Prefer experience with various types of data analytic programs.
* Prefer post-baccalaureate training in a public health laboratory, including but not limited to a fellowship or internship.