LABORATORY RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Job Requisition ID: 55472

Opening Date: 04/22/2026

Closing Date: 05/06/2026

Agency: Department of Public Health

Class Title: LABORATORY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 23025

Office: Disease Control

Division: Laboratories

Posting ID: 85-26-0334 / 55472

Posted: 04/22/2026 - 05/06/2026

Skill Option: None

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 07/01/26) $8,060/month; Full Range $8,060-$11,851/month

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: RC063 Professional Employees, Educators,Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators,and Physicians AFSCME

Merit Comp Code:

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

IDPH is seeking a highly motivated doctorate Scientist with extensive experience in clinical microbiology, molecular biology, whole genome sequencing, and virology within public health laboratory settings. Adept at applying advanced diagnostic and genomic technologies to detect, characterize, and monitor infectious diseases, supporting timely and data-driven public health responses. Proven ability to optimize laboratory workflows, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to high-impact research and surveillance initiatives.

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas (when available and dependent upon position)

• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.

• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System

• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan

• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)

• 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)

• 12 paid sick days annually which carryover year to year

• 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro-rated dependent on start date)

• 13-14 paid holidays per year

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave

• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

• These are just a few of the many perks available to all State employees. For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Essential Functions

• Develops, evaluates, validates, and implements new testing including microbiological assays, next generation sequencing and other molecular biology assays on environmental and clinical specimens for known pathogens of infectious disease, which may include testing on rabies specimens or identification of select agents.

• Writes, reviews and updates laboratory procedures.

• Provides technical assistance and training on the use of complex testing techniques and methods.

• Performs thorough literature searches of scientific/medical research for application of testing methods on disease causing organisms.

• Maintains cultures of viable pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms for methods development and controls, such as clinical, waterborne and food borne viruses, bacteria, parasites, etc.

• Participates in national or regional collaborations to further the development and implementation of testing at state public health laboratories.

• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Doctor of Philosophy degree in chemistry, immunology, microbiology, toxicology, virology, or other scientific discipline closely related to these fields, to include professional laboratory experience in basic or applied l