Quality Officer (Laboratory System Quality Specialist)

Are you a motivated professional with a keen eye for detail and a passion for enhancing quality in laboratory settings? The Department of Health, Bureau of Laboratories (BOL), is looking for a dedicated Quality Officer to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will play a crucial part in supporting our mission to conduct investigatory, diagnostic, and confirmatory testing for infectious and non-infectious diseases, delivering accurate and timely analytical results on human and non-human specimens. This is an excellent opportunity to gain comprehensive insight into the operations of a public health laboratory while collaborating with a dynamic team. If you are eager to contribute to meaningful work in public health, we encourage you to apply today!

In this position, you will collaborate as part of a team of quality officers, assisting management in ensuring adherence to quality regulations and standards essential to the BOL's mission. You will support managers, bench scientists, and administrative personnel in enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of bureau operations. Your responsibilities will include developing and maintaining a thorough understanding of relevant statutes, regulations, professional standards, and accreditation requirements for a public health laboratory performing clinical testing. You will provide expert guidance on regulatory compliance, best practices, quality improvement, and safety initiatives. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing and updating written policies, processes, and procedures to enhance the BOL's quality practices, including maintaining the quality manual that outlines requirements related to personnel qualifications, responsibilities, training, and competency assessments.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time up to 2 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Exton.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years as a Forensic Scientist 2; or
• Two years as a Forensic DNA Scientist 2; or
• Four years of professional laboratory experience analyzing chemical, physical, or biological substances or materials and a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, microbiology, or a closely related physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry or microbiology.

Special Requirement:

• This position requires possession of an active PA non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirement:

• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.