Chemist I

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level chemist position within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), performing duties under the general supervision of the PFAS and Emergent Contaminants Supervisor. The PFAS and Emergent Contaminants Laboratory is part of the Environmental Health Division Organic Chemistry section and performs accredited PFAS testing in environmental matrices. This position will be responsible for independently preparing and analyzing environmental samples for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the following matrices: Tissue, Wastewater, Soil/Sediment, Water, and more. This position will work with team members in shared analytical space using solid phase extraction (SPE) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This position will also require the candidate to participate in the rough grinding process of whole fish which includes: scaling, filleting, and grinding a homogeneous portion for analysis in the lab. The successful candidate will perform routine analysis on PFAS environmental samples with minimal supervision after a training period. Work in the laboratory involves the operation and maintenance of various instrumentation. The ideal candidate is expected to be a productive and self-motivated individual with the ability to think critically, learn quickly, and function both independently and within a team. Personal initiative, independence, strong technical skills, and collaboration are essential in this role. A candidate with SPE and LC-MS/MS experience is preferred. Good organizational and communication skills are crucial. The employee in this position is also expected to use the tools and principles of quality management in performing their daily work including the following: 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. This position is on-site at 2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53718.

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.) is required
• 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. (NACES) ( 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.
• All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.
• The selected applicant will be required to pass a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment.

Nice To Haves

• SPE and LC-MS/MS experience is preferred.
• 1 or more years analytical laboratory experience
• 1 or more years of experience with LC-MS/MS

Responsibilities

• Verifies test result validity and/or completes regulatory compliance activities - 5%
• Prepares, develops, and conducts chemical research experiments analysis of specimens employing quality control and quality assurance practices - 45%
• Participates in the rough grinding process of whole fish which includes: scaling, filleting, and grinding a homogeneous portion for analysis in the lab - 10%
• Utilizes, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and information management systems to meet unit objects in alignment with strategic initiatives - 5%
• Utilizes assigned analytical methods-based quality requirements to verify test result validity and/or meet regulatory compliance - 5%
• Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data - 30%

Benefits

• The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees