Chemical Threats Clinical Technical Supervisor

State of Utah • Taylorsville, UT

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Utah Public Health Laboratory (UPHL) are seeking a Chemical Threat Clinical Technical Supervisor to join the Chemical Threats Program. This role involves the analysis of clinical chemical threats, requiring adherence to standard operating protocols approved by the CDC or other regulatory authorities for sample preparation, analysis, and reporting in various clinical matrices. The Utah Public Health Lab (UPHL) is CLIA certified, and candidates must meet CLIA requirements. Travel is required for this position, and compliance with the Utah Department of Health Employee Immunization policy is mandatory.

Requirements

• Advanced chemistry laboratory skills.
• At least 2 years of hands-on experience using and maintaining both GC-MS and HPLC-MS/MS testing instruments for clinical samples.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related physical/biological science with at least 4 years of high-complexity analytical laboratory experience operating and troubleshooting ICP-MS, LC-MS/MS, or GC-MS; OR Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related science with at least 2 years of relevant high-complexity analytical laboratory experience.
• Must meet CLIA Technical Supervisor qualifications under 42 CFR § 493.1449.
• Experience with chemical threat response, biomonitoring, or public health emergency preparedness programs.
• Working knowledge of public health emergency response, grant management/applications (e.g., PHEP, OD2A), and opioid surveillance workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to network with partner agencies and support applications for new funding opportunities.
• Strong ability to manage multiple complex analytical projects and grants concurrently.
• Proven track record of working collaboratively in a team environment while remaining calm and decisive under high-stress conditions.
• Excellent communication skills in English (listening, speaking, writing, and reading) for both scientific audiences and the general public.

Nice To Haves

• Public speaking experience
• Scientific publications

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate analytical methodologies for testing clinical samples for various contaminates on ICP-MS, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and GC-MS/MS, under minimal supervision.
• Oversee the Overdose 2 Action grant and function as the grant budget and deliverables manager.
• Routinely test clinical samples for chemicals of warfare and opioids using ICP-MS, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and GC-MS/MS.
• Serve as a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) - qualified technical supervisor.
• Assist the CT coordinator for outreach presentation, maintain updated contact database and other related outreach activities.
• Take responsibility for the Sample Packaging and Shipping Exercise (SPaSE) and other LRN-C (Laboratory Response Network- Chemistry) activities and exercises.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise chemists and technical staff in accordance with CLIA Technical Supervisor standards, ensuring technical competency, proper instrument operation, and timely reporting.
• Review and prepare reports, method SOPs, track grant deliverables and milestones for stakeholders, and assist respective supervisors and managers.
• Comply and participate in the guidance, regulations, policies, and activities issued by the CDC-LRNC, CLIA, and Utah Department of Health and Human Services.

Benefits

• Full benefits package
• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior