Chemist II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

4d•$4,815 - $5,537•Onsite

About The Position

The Chemist II works on the Semivolatile Organic Compounds Team, analyzing environmental samples. The role performs sample preparation, extraction, and moderately complex analysis using gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), following approved methods for each sample matrix. The chemist performs required quality control measures, accurately documents procedures, and consults with a team leader or group manager on complex chromatograms and spectral interpretation. The position also supports method development and validation projects, sample tracking and holding-time compliance, routine instrument maintenance, glassware cleaning, inventory and waste procedures, and laboratory safety and policy compliance. The position is with the Texas Department of State Health Services Environmental Sciences Department in Austin. It is a regular, full-time, nonexempt day-shift position and is not eligible for telework. Travel may be required up to 5%.

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 mass spectrometry.
Knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques, good laboratory practices, statistical analysis of data, and application of statistics to quality control.
Skill operating computer-controlled GC, HPLC, or MS instruments and data-acquisition systems to perform accurate analyses.
Skill maintaining GC, HPLC, or MS instrumentation, associated autosamplers, and computer systems.
Ability to follow SOPs to analyze samples, identify and quantitate compounds, and accurately document results.
Ability to work independently and cooperatively in teams to complete assigned tasks.
Ability to manually manipulate samples and quality controls and perform equipment maintenance and supply-handling tasks.
Knowledge of ethics and ability to demonstrate accountability.
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, and UHPLC; check sample preservatives and containers; prepare reagents and standards; and perform sample extraction, chemical reactions, and derivatization according to approved methods and SOPs.
Prepare and analyze quality-control samples, calibrate instruments, verify standards with reference materials, develop data-acquisition parameters, identify target compounds, interpret routine chromatograms, monitor QC parameters, prepare dilutions, conduct first-level data review, and submit data for second-level review and approval.
Track samples and manage preparation and analysis to meet EPA holding times, assigned deadlines, and productivity and on-time delivery goals while maintaining acceptable QA/QC and SOP practices.
Follow quality manuals, certification requirements, reference methods, and administrative, analytical, and quality-assurance procedures; participate in training, capability demonstrations, method detection limit studies, proficiency testing, and responses to audit findings; and maintain complete, timely, accurate records.
Operate, verify, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment and associated systems; clean glassware according to SOPs; manage reagents and supplies; request supplies and standards in advance; and keep accurate maintenance and inventory records.
Follow laboratory health and safety requirements, including proper use of personal protective equipment and fume hoods, chemical labeling and handling, waste and sample disposal, housekeeping, safety training, and prompt communication of safety issues.
Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule, report absences, enter leave in CAPPS, complete required training, suggest operational improvements, and perform other assigned duties; may train others.
Participate in agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, which may require an alternate shift or work location.