Job Description

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: 

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 laboratory research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years experience in developing and implementing research, clinical or environmental assays.
• Thorough knowledge in conducting responsible, independent basic and applied laboratory research and applying the results obtained to upgrade the analytical capability of laboratories.
• Extensive knowledge of the laboratory sciences.
• Two (2) years experience maintaining cooperative relationships with the technical/scientific personnel in other state agencies, local health jurisdictions and the general public.
• Extensive knowledge in preparing scientific articles and presenting lectures outlining the results of complex research.
• One (1) year experience in training and directing professional laboratory personnel in new testing methods.

Conditions of Employment

• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

*The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $1.8 Billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,400 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.

Work Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
Headquarter Location: 2121 W Taylor St, Chicago, Illinois, 60612
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: DPH.HRRecruiter@Illinois.gov
Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the  Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the  Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

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