Chemist I

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry level chemist position within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), operating under the general supervision of the PFAS and Emergent Contaminants Supervisor. The role is part of the Environmental Health Division Organic Chemistry section, which performs accredited PFAS testing in environmental matrices. The Chemist I will be responsible for independently preparing and analyzing environmental samples for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across various matrices including Tissue, Wastewater, Soil/Sediment, and Water. This involves working with team members in a shared analytical space, utilizing solid phase extraction (SPE) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A unique aspect of the role includes participating in the rough grinding process of whole fish, which involves scaling, filleting, and grinding a homogeneous portion for laboratory analysis. After an initial training period, the successful candidate will perform routine analysis on PFAS environmental samples with minimal supervision. The position requires operating and maintaining various laboratory instrumentation. The ideal candidate is expected to be productive, self-motivated, capable of critical thinking, quick learning, and able to function both independently and as part of a team. Personal initiative, independence, strong technical skills, and collaboration are essential. The employee is also expected to apply quality management principles in daily work, including demonstrating exceptional customer service, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement, using data collection tools, contributing to efficient unit operation through team skills, presenting ideas, carrying out assignments, providing information as required, and engaging in continuous professional development. The position is on-site in Madison, WI, with primary work hours from 7:45 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Requirements

• 0-2 years previous experience, or equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job
• Physical requirement including lifting up to 30 pounds and standing for extended periods of time
• Bachelor's Degree with a major in Chemistry or related field (e.g. Environmental Science, Biology, etc.)
• Ability to think critically, learn quickly, and function both independently and within a team
• Personal initiative, independence, strong technical skills, and collaboration
• Good organizational and communication skills
• Demonstrate exceptional customer service by establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with managers, supervisor, coworkers, and all customers
• Provide constructive feedback for the purpose of continuous improvement in a manner that is supportive of the State Laboratory of Hygiene and its mission
• Use data collection tools as appropriate
• Use effective team skills to contribute to the efficient operation of the work unit
• Present ideas, carry out assignments, and provide information as required
• Participate in continuous learning through professional development activities
• Verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9
• Pass a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment

Nice To Haves

• 1 or more years analytical laboratory experience
• 1 or more years of experience with LC-MS/MS
• SPE experience

Responsibilities

• Verifies test result validity and/or completes regulatory compliance activities
• Prepares, develops, and conducts chemical research experiments analysis of specimens employing quality control and quality assurance practices
• Participates in the rough grinding process of whole fish which includes: scaling, filleting, and grinding a homogeneous portion for analysis in the lab
• Utilizes, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and information management systems to meet unit objects in alignment with strategic initiatives
• Utilizes assigned analytical methods-based quality requirements to verify test result validity and/or meet regulatory compliance
• Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees