Chemist II-61053174

State of South Carolina • Cayce, SC

41d

About The Position

Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference! Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity Performs high complexity analysis of clinical specimens for exposure to opioids and other drugs of abuse in support of the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Overdose Data to Action Cooperative Agreement. Performs qualitative chemical analysis and interprets highly complex and varied analytical chemistry procedures for organic substances using High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Conducts specimen preparation and analytical procedures for the detection of opioids and other drugs of abuse. Drugs of abuse include, but are not limited to opioids (including fentanyl and fentanyl analogs), stimulants, and benzodiazepines. Develop and validate analytical methods for the detection and quantification of opioids and other illicit drugs of abuse in biological samples using Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Prepare and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training and competency checklists, validation plans, validation reports, and other quality assurance (QA) documentation required for testing. Document validation details in comprehensive validation summaries for laboratory management and QA review and approval. Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in toxicology testing and analytical chemistry. Train and mentor chemists within the Analytical Chemistry Unit on validated methods and best laboratory practices. Participate in biosurveillance research studies and method validation projects within the unit. Compile, interpret, and report analytical data; prepare technical reports and present findings at scientific meetings and conferences. Support data submission processes for the opioid biosurveillance project by coordinating the transfer of de-identified urine samples from participating hospitals to the public health laboratory for analysis. Perform other duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and public health biosurveillance initiatives.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry and three years of relevant work experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in Mass Spectrometry.
• Ability to train personnel, work extended hours/weekends/holidays during emergency situations and exercises, make visual observations of specimens, reports, etc.
• Must be able to follow and adhere to all safety protocols.
• Ability to bend, climb, and stoop in order to work on laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Masters in chemistry with at least one year experience working with analytical instrumentation including one or more of the following: Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS),Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (QTOF), and/or High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) with emphasis on analytical and organic or inorganic chemistry or B.S. in Chemistry with at least three years of relevant work experience or B.S. in the natural sciences with five years of relevant work experience and a minimum of 16 credit hours in chemistry.
• A Ph.D. in chemistry or related field may be substituted for the above requirements

Responsibilities

• Performs high complexity analysis of clinical specimens for exposure to opioids and other drugs of abuse in support of the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Overdose Data to Action Cooperative Agreement.
• Performs qualitative chemical analysis and interprets highly complex and varied analytical chemistry procedures for organic substances using High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
• Conducts specimen preparation and analytical procedures for the detection of opioids and other drugs of abuse.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for the detection and quantification of opioids and other illicit drugs of abuse in biological samples using Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS).
• Prepare and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training and competency checklists, validation plans, validation reports, and other quality assurance (QA) documentation required for testing.
• Document validation details in comprehensive validation summaries for laboratory management and QA review and approval.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in toxicology testing and analytical chemistry.
• Train and mentor chemists within the Analytical Chemistry Unit on validated methods and best laboratory practices.
• Participate in biosurveillance research studies and method validation projects within the unit.
• Compile, interpret, and report analytical data; prepare technical reports and present findings at scientific meetings and conferences.
• Support data submission processes for the opioid biosurveillance project by coordinating the transfer of de-identified urine samples from participating hospitals to the public health laboratory for analysis.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and public health biosurveillance initiatives.

Benefits

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support