At DPH, laboratory professionals work in the State Public Health Laboratory and in the four public health hospitals. They contribute to public health in the Commonwealth by processing laboratory tests (including for COVID-19), maintaining high-quality testing procedures, and enhancing patient care. Meet just a few of our laboratory professionals below.
DPH Workforce Spotlight - Cynthia Condon, BS, M(ASCP)
Video: DPH Workforce Spotlight - Cynthia Condon
Skip this video DPH Workforce Spotlight - Cynthia Condon.Joshua Hall
Microbiologist III, Bureau of Infectious Diseases and Laboratory Sciences
Josh is a microbiologist at the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain, where he has worked for 17 years. He says, happily, it’s a job that keeps presenting him with new problems to solve, and the diversity of topics and tasks keeps him interested and engaged.
He could be working on laboratory preparedness or assisting in the response to infectious diseases like H1N1, West Nile Virus, EEE, measles, mumps, norovirus, MERS, Zika, or COVID-19.
“What I like most about my position here at the State Lab is the diverse complexion of responsibilities,” says Josh. “Whether I’m in the lab testing samples or at my desk calculating the laboratory supplies we’ll need for a season of testing, I’m always presented with stimulating challenges.”
Interested in joining the team? Explore open DPH lab positions today.
Pinal Patel
Quality Assurance Coordinator, Bureau of Infectious Diseases and Laboratory Sciences
Pinal Patel describes her job at the State Public Health Laboratory as a “rewarding journey.” In her 11 years at DPH, she has progressed from what she calls a “Laboratory Diagnostic Detective” to working on quality compliance, key to the highest quality laboratory results.
What does she recommend about working at DPH? The flexibility that allows for work-life balance, and the many learning programs for career development such as the Aspiring Supervisor Training, Lean Six Sigma, and more.
“I love working to track emerging diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola, and others that have an enormous public health impact,” says Pinal. “Every day is different, and I know I’m contributing to keeping Massachusetts residents healthy and safe.”
Interested in joining the team? Explore open DPH lab positions today.
Fausto Lopez
HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic II, Bureau of Infectious Diseases and Laboratory Sciences
The workings of the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain rely on Fausto as an HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic — he performs his rounds there every hour of the day. He inspects the critical systems that keep the Lab running, including the heating system, compressed air system, chilled and hot water systems, steam generators, and exhaust fans throughout the Lab’s sprawling campus.
“I’m also available to help staff with facilities needs, like moving refrigeration equipment, resetting electrical devices, or replacing light bulbs,” says Fausto. “I like that my job includes different situations and challenges every single day.”
Fausto would recommend DPH to other facilities professionals. “My supervisors take the time to listen and help in any situation that we are faced with,” he says. “We’re appreciated and recognized for the work we do.”
Interested in joining the team? Explore open DPH lab positions today.
Natasha Davis, MLT(ASCP)CM
Microbiology Supervisor, Lemuel Shattuck Hospital
Natasha provides hands-on, high-quality health care to patients at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, a fully accredited teaching facility in Jamaica Plain that provides acute, subacute, and ambulatory care. Natasha says she feels fortunate to be able to use her ever-evolving education and clinical skills to have an impact on public health and to know that every day she’s making a real difference in people's lives.
She would highly recommend that other health care providers apply to the Department of Public Health, to work at the Shattuck or other public health hospitals.
“I would recommend DPH as a place for someone who is passionate about public health. It is a great place to seek career opportunities and benefits for both personal and professional growth.”
Interested in joining the team? Explore open DPH lab positions today.
Nicole Gethin, MS
Chemist III, Bureau of Infectious Diseases and Laboratory Sciences
Nicole has been at the State Public Health Laboratory for just over 10 years, and says she really enjoys working in an emergency response laboratory because every day can be different.
She feels that she thrives in situations that require the ability to quickly adapt and bring on new methods. From running samples to outreach to hospitals and first responders, Nicole continues to find many parts of the job interesting and challenging.
“DPH also offers the unique benefit of the State Employees Responding as Volunteers (SERV) Program, which allows DPH staff to give back to their community by volunteering during their regular work schedules — up to one day per month — at an approved Massachusetts nonprofit organization.”
Interested in joining the team? Explore open DPH lab positions today.
Hang Pham, BS
Senior Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist, Bureau of Infectious Diseases and Laboratory Sciences
Hang works at the State Public Health Laboratory in the Division of Microbiology. She started at DPH in 2008, and she finds it to be a friendly and diverse work environment.
Working in clinical testing, Hang understands the importance of accurate results and timely documentation and reporting to healthcare providers and patients. An error at any point in the process can have serious implications, and she’s proud of taking the utmost care to ensure the results and reporting are accurate.
She says she really appreciates that DPH offers job stability, flexibility, and opportunities to learn and expand your career. “I also enjoy working with my colleagues; they are great people who always help and support each other,” says Hang. “There are so many experienced microbiologists and I have been able to learn a lot from them.”
Interested in joining the team? Explore open DPH lab positions today.
Samuel Valentin
Lab Tech I, Tewksbury Hospital
When Samuel began at Tewksbury Hospital in May 2020, it was shortly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working during such a difficult time in public health taught him a number of useful skills, including how to effectively manage stress, a part of every job.
Samuel says that Tewksbury Hospital is a great place to work. “I like being part of a very diverse group that excels in teamwork,” he says.
“I would definitely recommend working here,” said Samuel. “I find it rewarding to serve our patients.”
Interested in joining the team? Explore open DPH lab positions today.
Delesha Woodley, BA
Microbiologist II, Bureau of Infectious Diseases and Laboratory Sciences
Delesha started working at DPH in 2016 and since then, she says she has experienced tremendous growth in professional communication. Her role requires a great deal of interaction with fellow staff throughout the State Public Health Laboratory. She stresses that effective communication is critical to her success — and the success of people around her.
“What I enjoy most about my job is the variety of work we do for the benefit of the Commonwealth’s residents,” says Delesha.
Delesha adds, “I enjoy hearing about my colleagues’ days and routines and how a particularly tricky situation got sorted out. On the unusual days that things don’t go as expected, there are clear guidelines for getting things back on track.”
Interested in joining the team? Explore open DPH lab positions today.