Chemist II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

6d•$4,815 - $5,537•Onsite

About The Position

The Chemist II works on the PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) Team, analyzing environmental samples. In collaboration with team leaders, the employee completes assigned projects with moderate latitude for independent judgment. The role prepares, extracts, and conducts moderately complex sample analysis using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and approved methods for each sample matrix. It also performs required quality control measures, accurately documents work, conducts routine equipment maintenance, manages supplies and waste, and tracks samples to meet holding times. The employee assists with method development and validation and follows HHSC and DSHS policies and procedures. The position includes sample preparation and analysis for organic compounds, including preparation of reagents and standards, sample extraction and derivatization, instrument calibration, quality control, data review, and submission of results for second-level review. The Chemist II maintains proficiency in assigned methods, follows applicable quality and certification requirements, supports audits and training, and keeps accurate procedure, maintenance, and inventory records. The role also includes laboratory safety and housekeeping practices, administrative duties, and possible support for disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation.

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 LC-MS/MS.
Knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques and good laboratory practices.
Knowledge of statistical data analysis and its application to quality control.
Skill operating a computer-controlled LC-MS/MS instrument and data acquisition system to perform accurate analysis.
Ability to conduct PFAS sample preparation for drinking water, including extraction, concentration, and preparation of extracts for LC-MS/MS analysis.
Ability to follow SOPs, analyze samples, and accurately document results.
Ability to work independently and cooperatively in teams to complete assigned tasks.
Ability to manually handle samples and quality controls for sample preparation and analysis.
Ability to manually perform equipment maintenance tasks and handle necessary supplies.
Knowledge of ethics and ability to demonstrate accountability.
Provide an official transcript if hired; transcripts for diplomas 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 extraction and concentration to prepare samples for LC-MS/MS analysis within the last five years.
Experience operating LC-MS/MS within the last five years.

Responsibilities

Prepare and analyze environmental samples for organic compounds using LC-MS/MS and approved methods.
Check samples for appropriate preservatives and containers; prepare reagents, standards, dilutions, and quality control samples.
Perform sample preparation techniques, including liquid/liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, concentration, chemical reactions, and derivatization.
Calibrate instruments, verify standards with reference material, help develop data acquisition parameters, and consult with the team leader on complex spectral interpretation.
Monitor method quality control parameters, perform first-level data review, and submit data for second-level review and approval within holding times or assigned deadlines.
Track samples and prepare or analyze them to meet EPA holding times and on-time delivery goals while maintaining acceptable QA/QC and SOP practices.
Follow the Quality Manual, USEPA Drinking Water Certification Manual, TNI requirements, reference methods, and applicable administrative, analytical, and quality assurance SOPs.
Complete required training and demonstrations of capability; maintain method proficiency through continuing demonstrations, method detection limit studies, and proficiency testing.
Respond to assigned internal or external audit findings and maintain complete, timely, and accurate records.
Operate, maintain, verify, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment according to SOPs and equipment manuals.
Maintain reagent and supply inventories, request supplies and standards in advance, receive and verify supplies, and inform the team leader of equipment or inventory problems.
Follow laboratory health and safety requirements, use required personal protective equipment and fume hoods, label chemicals, handle and dispose of waste and samples properly, and keep the work area clean and organized.
Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule, report absences, enter leave into CAPPS, complete training, and suggest improvements to performance and operations.
Perform other duties as directed; may train others and may support agency disaster response, recovery, or COOP activation, which may require an alternate shift or location.