CHEMIST II - 64005505
About The Position
The Chemist II works in the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Public Health Laboratories, Jacksonville Laboratory, in Newborn Screening. The position prepares and performs tests on newborn screening filter-paper blood specimens to detect infants at risk for amino acidemias, fatty oxidation disorders, organic acidemias, sickle cell disease, congenital hypothyroidism, galactosemia, biotinidase deficiency, cystic fibrosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and other endocrine, genetic, and metabolic disorders. The employee initially checks and approves test results transmitted electronically to the mainframe database and ensures positive and borderline results have correct collection date, birth weight, feeding type, and transfusion information. Follow-up testing is performed to confirm results for infants at risk. The employee maintains quality-control data, participates in proficiency testing, takes corrective action as needed, and performs daily instrument maintenance and troubleshooting. Blood spots are delineated for hand punching, machine punching, or identification as unsatisfactory on a rotating basis. Other related duties may be assigned. The position is in Jacksonville, Florida, and may require emergency duty before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days.
Requirements
- Be eligible to obtain a Florida Laboratory License, minimum of Public Health Technician Clinical Chemistry.
- Knowledge of terminology, principles, and techniques used in analysis and testing.
- Knowledge of procedures, techniques, and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis.
- Knowledge of methods of data collection.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
- Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.
Nice To Haves
- A minimum bachelor’s degree in chemical or biological sciences is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and perform tests on newborn screening filter-paper blood specimens for endocrine, genetic, and metabolic disorders.
- Initially check and approve test results electronically transmitted to the mainframe computer database.
- Ensure positive and borderline results have correct data concerning collection date, birth weight, feeding type, and transfusion.
- Perform follow-up testing to confirm results for infants at risk for disorders tested in the Newborn Screening Laboratory.
- Maintain quality-control data, participate in proficiency testing, and take corrective actions as needed.
- Perform daily instrument maintenance and troubleshoot instruments as needed.
- Delineate blood spots for hand punching, machine punching, and identification as unsatisfactory on a rotating basis.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Benefits
- Annual and sick leave benefits
- Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
- State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
- Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Tuition waivers
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
