Chemist II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

1d•$4,815 - $5,537•Onsite

About The Position

The Chemist II works in the GC Analysis Group, analyzing environmental samples using approved methods. The position involves sample preparation, extraction, and moderately complex analysis by gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The Chemist works with Team Leaders on projects, with moderate latitude for independent judgment, and consults with a Team Leader or Group Manager on complex chromatograms and spectral interpretation. The role performs required quality-control measures, documents procedures and results, maintains instruments and glassware, manages supplies and inventory, and tracks sample loads to meet required holding times. It also supports method development and validation projects, follows laboratory safety and quality requirements, and may train others. Work hours, workdays, and laboratory assignments may vary. The role may support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, which may require a different shift pattern or location.

Requirements

Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, physical sciences, or biological sciences from an accredited institution.
Experience working in an analytical chemistry laboratory environment within the last five years.
Knowledge of chromatography principles and their application to GC, HPLC, and GC/MS.
Knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques and good laboratory practices.
Knowledge of statistical analysis of data and its application to quality control.
Skill operating computer-controlled GC, HPLC, or GC/MS instruments and data-acquisition systems.
Skill maintaining GC, HPLC, or GC/MS instrumentation, associated autosamplers, and computer systems.
Ability to follow SOPs to analyze samples, identify compounds, quantify results, and document results accurately.
Ability to work independently and cooperatively with a team to complete assigned tasks.
Ability to manually manipulate samples and quality controls and perform equipment maintenance tasks.
Knowledge of ethics and ability to demonstrate accountability.
Must provide an official transcript if hired; transcripts for degrees awarded outside the United States must be evaluated by an approved credentialing agency.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a high-throughput laboratory within the last five years.
Experience performing EPA environmental organic methods.
Experience performing gas chromatography within the last five years.
Experience operating high pressure liquid chromatographs within the last five years.
Experience operating mass spectrometers within the last five years.

Responsibilities

Prepare and analyze environmental samples for organic compounds using GC, GC/MS, or HPLC, following approved methods and SOPs.
Check samples for appropriate preservatives and containers; prepare reagents, standards, dilutions, and quality-control samples.
Perform sample preparation techniques such as liquid/liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, sonication, shaking, chemical reactions, and derivatization.
Calibrate instruments, verify standards with reference materials, develop data-acquisition parameters, identify target compounds, and interpret routine chromatograms.
Consult with the Team Leader on complex chromatograms or spectral interpretation and notify the Team Leader promptly of issues.
Monitor quality-control parameters, perform first-level data review, and submit data for second-level review and approval before holding-time or deadline expiration.
Track samples accurately and prepare or analyze them within EPA holding times while meeting productivity and delivery goals.
Follow quality manuals, certification requirements, reference methods, and administrative, analytical, and quality-assurance SOPs; participate in training and maintain method proficiency.
Maintain complete, timely, and accurate records and respond to assigned internal or external audit findings.
Operate, verify, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance on instruments and associated equipment; clean and maintain glassware according to SOPs.
Manage reagents and supplies, maintain inventory records, request supplies and standards in advance, and report equipment or inventory problems.
Follow laboratory health and safety requirements, use personal protective equipment and fume hoods, label chemicals, handle and dispose of waste properly, and keep the work area clean and organized.
Complete required training and administrative tasks, including notifying the Group Manager of absences and entering leave in CAPPS.
Assist with method-development and validation projects, suggest improvements, and potentially train others.
Participate in or support agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as assigned.