In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:
Knowledge of:
1. Principles and practices of bacteriological, virological, mycological, parasitological, serological
and other microbiology to perform daily duties.
2. Techniques, equipment, and terminology used in the laboratory for the detection and identification
of disease agents.
3. Virological and rickettsia pathogens with clinical and public health significance for the detection
and identification of human, zoonotic, and vector-borne pathogens.
4. Methods of disease transmission and epidemiological principles to select proper specimens for
testing.
5. Personal protective equipment and laboratory safety devices required to prevent accidental
exposure to biological materials, infectious agents, chemicals, toxins, etc.
6. Quality control and assurance principles and regulations, as well as their application to laboratory
operations and record keeping in accordance with state and federal regulations.
7. The use and maintenance of laboratory equipment to ensure accuracy and safety.
8. Laboratory safety regulations, principles, and procedures for the identification and control of
chemical and biological hazards.
9. Disease progression in the human host for the selection and timing of proper specimen collection
and testing.
10. Patient confidentiality principles and information security practices as required by laboratory
policy, State, and Federal regulation.
11. Basic chemistry, microscopy, immunological, and molecular principles in order to understand and
perform standardized laboratory assays and develop new testing methods.
12. Principles, techniques, and terminology used in immunology to carry out daily duties.
13. The common causes of diseases and methods of transmission and control of communicable
diseases.
14. Laboratory equipment and its care to effectively and accurately perform daily duties.
15. The preparation of chemical reagents, culture media, stains, compounds, and solutions required
in scientific testing.
16. Principles and methods of scientific research, scientific theories, and new, innovative test
methodologies.
Skills to:
1. Make minor modifications or adaptations to established methods, procedures, and/or
techniques to solve problems in the work environment.
2. Work cooperatively and effectively with staff and management to maintain a healthy working
environment.
3. Maintain detailed workbooks/documentation and ensure all documentation fulfills generally
accepted professional/industry standards.
4. Maintain a neat and orderly workspace to maintain health and safety standards.
5. Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions,
conclusions or approaches to problems.
6. Prepare and maintain individual records of daily activities and complete detailed and thorough
work tasks to achieve departmental goals.
Ability to:
1. Perform virological laboratory tests in order to diagnose infections and guide treatment
decisions.
2. Provide technical guidance to lower level staff on various laboratory activities.
3. Keep organized records and make detailed reports regarding virological testing.
4. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action to meet program needs.
5. Observe and practice proper safety precautions and procedures during daily activities.
6. Search scientific literature for new methods and procedures that may be considered for
application or modification for experiments and/or procedures.
7. Elect the appropriate methodology and procedures to meet the experimental or testing
objectives.
8. Follow all department policies and procedures to ensure product integrity and quality control.
9. Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery (e.g. calculator, copy machine, and
computer printer).
10. Effectively and accurately communicate both orally and in writing, with staff, the public, and
local agencies to provide information and direction.
11. Work efficiently, effectively, and cooperatively in a group, independently, and in a team based
environment.
12. Properly practice safety and sterilization procedures to minimize the risk of any hazardous
accidents.
13. Identify microbiological agents utilizing different testing platforms.
14. Develop new or modify existing methods and procedures to stay incompliance with changing
rules and regulations.
15. Plan, direct, and conduct highly technical, difficult, and complex microbiological analyses of
data.
