Purpose Of Position/Summary
As a junior level chemist in the Chemistry Laboratory, you will be preparing and analyzing samples for antibiotics in wastewater as part of a wastewater epidemiology project. This role also involves working with a range of contaminants including opioids, radionuclides, metals, and pesticides.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in chemical or physical science from an accredited college or university.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience as an analytical chemist.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
- Perform complex chemical analysis on environmental, food, or clinical matrices to determine the level of contaminants or toxic substances using sophisticated instrumentation in compliance with EPA, FDA, or CLIA requirements.
- Adhere to Quality Assurance guidelines.
- Maintain proficiency and technical expertise by passing Proficiency Testing (PT) samples.
- Maintain assigned instrumentation and perform preventative maintenance and repair on laboratory equipment.
- Complete all required paperwork, maintain instrument logbook, prepare technical reports, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Maintain a safe and uncluttered work area.
- Train and cross-train on other analytical procedures within the laboratory.
- Assist the supervisor by performing related tasks as assigned.
Job Requirements
- Technical knowledge of and ability to operate highly complex laboratory equipment such as LC/MS/MS, LC/QTOF, and GC/MS/MS. Familiarity with Sciex equipment such as QTRAP 6500+ and X500QTOF preferred.
- Effective communication skills with others both within and outside of the laboratory.
- Broad knowledge of good laboratory practices (GLP) and good automated laboratory practices (GALP).
- Broad understanding of the principles and practices of analytical, organic, and inorganic chemistry, with current experience.
- Specialized knowledge of related scientific areas such as information systems, physics, and statistics.
- Practical knowledge of laboratory safety and biosafety.
- Extensive knowledge of appropriate state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies relevant to the specialty such as EPA, FDA, DEA, ISO 17025, and CLIA.
- Proven ability to design analytical techniques and develop new methods of analysis.
- Capable of assisting with epidemiological and/or statistical reports from compiled data.
Difficulty of Work
This role involves scientific analyses that demand accuracy and proficiency in laboratory analytical skills. You will tackle complex variables and unusual sample matrices while applying analytical judgment and technical knowledge to draw accurate conclusions. The position may require testifying in judicial proceedings as an expert witness for the State of Indiana.
Responsibility
Work will be conducted with minimal supervision as a subject matter expert. Tasks will be independently performed and reviewed upon completion for general technical accuracy. Your work will significantly impact the control and identification of opioids and other substances for public health surveillance.
Personal Work Relationships
Collaboration will occur with the supervisor, other State Department of Health employees, and representatives from various state, local, and federal agencies to solve analytical problems and interpret federal requirements.
Physical Effort
Ability to handle and prepare clinical specimens is required.
Working Conditions
This position is conducted in a laboratory environment with hazards including compressed gases, flammable materials, chemicals that may be poisons or carcinogens/teratogens, and biohazards. Adherence to appropriate safety precautions is always mandatory.
Employment Type: Temporary