Job Description

Laboratory Associate

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DEPT OF HEALTH/MENTAL HYGIENE Posted On: 11/29/2025
Full-Time Location
NYC-ALL BOROS
Exam May Be Required Department
Microbiology
Salary Range:
$55,187.00 - $59,140.00

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ONLY PERMANENT EMPLOYEES IN THE TITLE AND THOSE THAT ARE REACHABLE ON THE LABORATORY ASSOCIATE CIVIL SERVICE LIST ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.



Division/Program Summary:


The Division of Disease Control's mission is to safeguard the health of New Yorkers through identification, surveillance, treatment, control, and prevention of infectious diseases, which is achieved

through varied and interrelated endeavors of its seven Bureaus. The NYC Public Health Laboratory (PHL) is one of the largest local public health laboratories in the United States where employees contribute to the health and safety of NYC residents by providing clinical and environmental laboratory testing services. PHL is committed to its mission to safeguard the health of all NYC residents by providing quality laboratory testing services that support the priorities of DOHMH and its community partners to prevent and respond to clinical and environmental public health concerns.



Position Summary:


The Laboratory Associate will work in our Central Accessioning Unit. The Laboratory Associate will receive, sort, and enter specimens into appropriate systems.



Job Duties and Responsibilities:


Perform high and moderate complexity laboratory testing and procedures on clinical and environmental specimens submitted to the PHL. Use manual and automated methods and specialized instrumentation within the BSL-2 laboratory and high containment laboratory (BSL-3). Use the Laboratory Information System to perform data entry, queries, and test results entry. Maintain laboratory inventory supplies and equipment using the PHL inventory system or alternative system when implemented. Participate in cross training program within PHL to assist with routine and surge events. Required to participate in urgent tests during off-hours as needed. Retrieve and assist in shipping specimens and samples to the CDC and other partners for additional testing and projects. Maintain a program of quality control, participate in a program of quality assurance, and take corrective action when needed.


Why you should work for us:




Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:

o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.


o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position's associated union/benefit fund.


o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.

o a tax-deferred savings program and

o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.

Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.




Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.




Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!




Commitment to Equity:




The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.




The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347-396-6549.



LABORATORY ASSOCIATE - 21512

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or its equivalent and:


1. One year of appropriate full-time experience or training in a biological, chemical, or clinical laboratory; or




2. Eight credits, including laboratory coursework, in biology, chemistry, or medical technology, from an accredited college or university; or




3. A satisfactory equivalent combination of (1) and (2) above. However all candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Preferred Skills

- Experience in a clinical or environmental diagnostic testing laboratory. - Possess or be eligible for a New York State Clinical Technologist license as described in Article 16 of the New York State Education Law effective September 23, 2008.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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Job ID
759718
Posted until
01/27/2026
Title code
21512
Civil service title
LABORATORY ASSOCIATE
Title classification
Competitive-1
Business title
Laboratory Associate
Experience Level: Experienced (Non-Manager) Job level
02
Number of positions
1
Work location
455 First Ave., N.Y.
Category: Health Laboratory Associate