State of Ohio
Job Description - Laboratory Scientist 1 (Molecular Section) (250008SM)
Laboratory Scientist 1 (Molecular Section) ( 250008SM )
Organization Agriculture
Agency Contact Name and Information: Ryan Gunter, Ryan.Gunter@agri.ohio.gov
Unposting Date Jan 24, 2026, 4:59:00 AM
Work Location Bromfield Building 8995 E Main Street Reynoldsburg 43068-3399
Primary Location United States of America-OHIO-Licking County-Reynoldsburg
Compensation: $24.16-$30.55 Based on Qualifications
Schedule Full-time
Work Hours: 8AM-5PM, Monday-Friday
Union: OCSEA
Primary Job Skill Laboratory
Technical Skills: Data Entry, Laboratory, Operational and Administrative Support, Animal Health
Professional Skills: Active Learning, Adaptability, Attention to Detail, Customer Focus, Flexibility
Agency Overview Competitive salary:
$50,253 - $63,544 Annually
Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio!
The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation.
ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158‑acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch.
You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.
Job Description What We Do:
Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!
As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans.
The Molecular Diagnostics & Sequencing section performs PCR-based assays and DNA sequencing to detect, identify, and characterize infectious agents in animal specimens.
What You’ll Do
Receives test specimens (e.g., tissue, fluids, swabs) & prepares specimens for nucleic acid extraction using automatic instruments and/or manual commercial kits; performs pathogen identification by PCR, DNA sequencing or other diagnostic tests.
Understands theory & techniques of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics; disposes of materials utilizing appropriate decontamination procedures.
Provides support to supervisors and other higher-level scientists for tests requiring specialized knowledge, training & judgment within Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) Molecular Diagnostics and Sequencing Section (e.g., primers/probes design, conventional and real‑time PCR, DNA sequencing including Sanger and next‑generation sequencing).
Under direction of higher level Laboratory Scientist, manages and orders primers/probes, consumables, reagents.
Manages inventories and long‑term storage samples in Molecular section.
Work schedule may include Saturdays.
Orders reagents and consumables and maintains the inventory system in Molecular & Sequencing Section.
Maintains laboratory record system (e.g., initial sample identification, log‑in, transfer of ID through test system).
Prepares & maintains various test reagents & plastic ware for laboratory use.
Appropriates & maintains in‑house control samples.
Notifies supervisor of present or potential problems or trends observed with control chart data.
Provides support to supervisors and other higher-level scientists to conduct research and new assay development/validation.
Provides training to interns, internal and external personnel.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Carries out QA/QC related activities.
This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.
We Support Diversity and Inclusion ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.
What’s in it for you At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full‑time and part‑time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website.
Medical Coverage
– Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.
Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance
– Premiums are free after one year of continuous service.
Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance
– Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave; 11 paid holidays per year; childbirth/adoption leave.
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
– OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary; the employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary.
Deferred Compensation
– The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan.
Maternity Benefits
– Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options, including 100% coverage of prenatal, delivery, NICU, postpartum, and related medication services.
Benefits Eligibility *Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Qualifications
30 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.
Or completion of associate degree in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science; 12 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.
Or completion of undergraduate core coursework in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science.
Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
Supplemental Information If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter.
Unusual Working Conditions Exposed to biofluids & tissue, sharps, caustic or toxic chemicals, &/or explosives; may work varying hours.
For Questions Regarding This Posting Ryan Gunter – ryan.gunter@agri.ohio.gov
The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
The State of Ohio is a drug‑free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). The recommended candidate for this position may be required to take a drug screen as part of their approval process. A candidate who tests positive for illegal or improperly used controlled drugs will not be hired.
ADA Statement Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug‑Free Workplace The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug‑Free Workplace Policy (HR‑39), and as outlined in the posting.
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Laboratory Scientist 1 (Molecular Section) ( 250008SM )
Organization Agriculture
Agency Contact Name and Information: Ryan Gunter, Ryan.Gunter@agri.ohio.gov
Unposting Date Jan 24, 2026, 4:59:00 AM
Work Location Bromfield Building 8995 E Main Street Reynoldsburg 43068-3399
Primary Location United States of America-OHIO-Licking County-Reynoldsburg
Compensation: $24.16-$30.55 Based on Qualifications
Schedule Full-time
Work Hours: 8AM-5PM, Monday-Friday
Union: OCSEA
Primary Job Skill Laboratory
Technical Skills: Data Entry, Laboratory, Operational and Administrative Support, Animal Health
Professional Skills: Active Learning, Adaptability, Attention to Detail, Customer Focus, Flexibility
Agency Overview Competitive salary:
$50,253 - $63,544 Annually
Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio!
The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation.
ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158‑acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch.
You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.
Job Description What We Do:
Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!
As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans.
The Molecular Diagnostics & Sequencing section performs PCR-based assays and DNA sequencing to detect, identify, and characterize infectious agents in animal specimens.
What You’ll Do
Receives test specimens (e.g., tissue, fluids, swabs) & prepares specimens for nucleic acid extraction using automatic instruments and/or manual commercial kits; performs pathogen identification by PCR, DNA sequencing or other diagnostic tests.
Understands theory & techniques of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics; disposes of materials utilizing appropriate decontamination procedures.
Provides support to supervisors and other higher-level scientists for tests requiring specialized knowledge, training & judgment within Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) Molecular Diagnostics and Sequencing Section (e.g., primers/probes design, conventional and real‑time PCR, DNA sequencing including Sanger and next‑generation sequencing).
Under direction of higher level Laboratory Scientist, manages and orders primers/probes, consumables, reagents.
Manages inventories and long‑term storage samples in Molecular section.
Work schedule may include Saturdays.
Orders reagents and consumables and maintains the inventory system in Molecular & Sequencing Section.
Maintains laboratory record system (e.g., initial sample identification, log‑in, transfer of ID through test system).
Prepares & maintains various test reagents & plastic ware for laboratory use.
Appropriates & maintains in‑house control samples.
Notifies supervisor of present or potential problems or trends observed with control chart data.
Provides support to supervisors and other higher-level scientists to conduct research and new assay development/validation.
Provides training to interns, internal and external personnel.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Carries out QA/QC related activities.
This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.
We Support Diversity and Inclusion ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.
What’s in it for you At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full‑time and part‑time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website.
Medical Coverage
– Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.
Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance
– Premiums are free after one year of continuous service.
Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance
– Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave; 11 paid holidays per year; childbirth/adoption leave.
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
– OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary; the employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary.
Deferred Compensation
– The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan.
Maternity Benefits
– Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options, including 100% coverage of prenatal, delivery, NICU, postpartum, and related medication services.
Benefits Eligibility *Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Qualifications
30 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.
Or completion of associate degree in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science; 12 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.
Or completion of undergraduate core coursework in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science.
Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
Supplemental Information If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter.
Unusual Working Conditions Exposed to biofluids & tissue, sharps, caustic or toxic chemicals, &/or explosives; may work varying hours.
For Questions Regarding This Posting Ryan Gunter – ryan.gunter@agri.ohio.gov
The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
The State of Ohio is a drug‑free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). The recommended candidate for this position may be required to take a drug screen as part of their approval process. A candidate who tests positive for illegal or improperly used controlled drugs will not be hired.
ADA Statement Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug‑Free Workplace The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug‑Free Workplace Policy (HR‑39), and as outlined in the posting.
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