Chemist I

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

16h • $49,000

About The Position

The Chemical Emergency Response (CER) Laboratory performs clinical testing for human exposure to chemical threats, biomonitoring, and emerging contaminates of interest to public health. This is a chemist position within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), performing duties under the general supervision of the CER Clinical Metals Supervisor. This position is primarily focused on trace element determinations including analysis, quality assurance, and accreditation activities using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICPMS) and ICPMS coupled with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Routine testing is performed for lead exposure using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption (GFAA) spectroscopy. Equipment Loan Program (ELP) administration, and support for the proficiency testing (PT) and reference material production are also central responsibilities. Additional analytical testing on other high complexity instrument platforms is performed. This role will also compile data, complete statistical evaluations and peer review of data sets, including evaluation of PT participant data and reports. Interact with clients and stakeholders to answer program related questions, and maintain expertise in packaging & shipping materials. This position will also have analytical responsibility for the determination of chemical threat agents and their metabolites, chemical unknowns, and other environmental hazards using high complexity test systems in support of the public health emergency preparedness and response mission. Additional analytical support for the CER Biomonitoring Program may also be performed. This position will perform specimen receiving and shipping, requisition entry, data entry tasks, and purchasing tasks. Analytical operation, method development, method optimization, training, and collaboration with internal and external partners are also central responsibilities. This position will have the opportunity to work with other state and federal agencies, including participation at professional conferences. A specific list of tasks for this role would include the following: production and distribution of materials for the Materials Program, and support of the Equipment Loan Program including facilitation of equipment and instrumentation loans and routine program maintenance. Data entry, specimen entry, and duplicate entry within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) will also be required. Sample packing, shipping, and receiving tasks will be required. Evaluation of clinical samples for exposure to threats related to emergency response and environmental monitoring, using test systems such as Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LCMSMS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) are a key part of this role. Evaluation of clinical metals samples for lead via Graphite Furnace will be a routine task. This role will be required to troubleshoot instrumentation as qualified. Support of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation by preparing for and participating in inspections will also be required. This role will include writing, reviewing, and revising department standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Instrument Operating Procedures (IOPs). Other routine activities will include ordering and purchasing materials, consumables, and services related to instrumentation for various CER programs. Completion of routine logbook, maintenance, and function checks (e.g., temperature, humidity, and oxygen monitors) will also be required.

Requirements

• 0-2 years of laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following test systems: ICPMS, GCMS, LCMSMS, or GFAA is required.
• Candidate must meet 42 CFR § 493.1489 Standard; Testing Personnel qualifications, High Complexity Testing.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution. An official (or copy of an official) transcript showing conferred degree will be required as a condition of employment.
• For degrees earned outside of the United States, proof of qualification equivalency is required and must be performed by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Association Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. ( http://www.naces.org ) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ( http://www.aice-eval.org ).
• The candidate is responsible for all expenses related to acquiring and providing proof of qualifications.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with one or more of the following test systems: ICPMS, GCMS, GCTQ, LCMSMS, or GFAA. Note, it is not an expectation for a candidate to have experience on all of the listed test systems. Training will be provided upon hire.
• Experience working in an accredited laboratory environment employing QA/QC practices.
• Experience performing statistical evaluation of data sets.
• Experience working with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Experience working with biohazards or clinical specimens.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and driving record that meets University of Wisconsin Risk Management guidelines is desired.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and good laboratory practice is desired.
• This position requires effective oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively as a team member.

Responsibilities

• Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data
• Utilizes, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and information management systems to meet unit objectives in alignment with strategic initiatives
• Participates in educational and outreach activities for various individuals and groups
• Prepares, develops, and conducts chemical research experiments analysis of specimens employing quality control and quality assurance practices
• Prepares, evaluates, packages, and ships Materials Program and Equipment Loan Program materials
• Utilizes assigned analytical methods-based quality requirements to verify test result validity and/or meet regulatory compliance
• Supports and participates in emergency response events and preparedness activities including working alternative shifts

What This Job Offers

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