Chemist II

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chemical Emergency Response (CER) Laboratory performs clinical testing for human exposure to chemical threats, biomonitoring, and emerging contaminates of interest to public health. This is a chemist position within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), performing duties under the general supervision of the CER Laboratory Director. This position is primarily focused on the determination of chemical threat agents and their metabolites, including analysis, quality assurance, and accreditation activities using Microplate Spectrophotometry, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) such as Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time of Flight (LC-QToF). Routine support for the clinical metals blood lead testing program, proficiency testing (PT) and reference material production are also central responsibilities. Additional analytical testing on other high complexity instrument platforms is performed. This role will also compile data, complete statistical evaluations and peer review of data sets, including evaluation of PT participant data and reports. Interact with clients and stakeholders to answer program related questions, and maintain expertise in packaging & shipping materials. This position will also have analytical responsibility for the determination of chemical threat agents and their metabolites, chemical unknowns, and other environmental hazards using high complexity test systems in support of the public health emergency preparedness and response mission. Additional analytical support for the CER Biomonitoring Program will also be performed. This position will perform specimen receiving and shipping, requisition entry, data entry tasks, and purchasing tasks. Analytical operation, method development, method optimization, training, publication, presentation, and collaboration with internal and external partners are also central responsibilities. This position will have the opportunity to work with other state and federal agencies, including participation at professional conferences.

Requirements

WSLH clinical services are certified through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), and accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Candidate must meet 42 CFR § 493.1489 Standard; Testing Personnel qualifications, High Complexity Testing.
2+ years previous relevant work experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.
2+ years work experience in a clinical laboratory setting performing high complexity clinical testing; preferred.
Experience with one or more of the following test systems, required: GC/MS, GC/TQ, LC-MS/MS, LC-QToF.
Bachelor of Science degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution, is required.
An official (or copy of an official) transcript showing conferred degree will be required as a condition of employment.
For degrees earned outside of the United States, proof of qualification equivalency is required and must be performed by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Association Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) ( http://www.naces.org ) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ( http://www.aice-eval.org ).
Course by course review is required for candidates demonstrating ability to meet CLIA qualifications.
The candidate is responsible for all expenses related to acquiring and providing proof of qualifications.
All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.
The selected applicant will be required to pass a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of more than one of the following test systems: GC/MS, GC/TQ, LC-MS/MS, LC-QToF.
Experience working in an accredited laboratory environment employing QA/QC practices.
Experience performing statistical evaluation of data sets.
Experience working with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Experience working with biohazards or clinical specimens.
Experience performing novel method development and validation.
Experience presenting at conferences.
Experience writing publications.
Knowledge of safety and good laboratory practices.

Responsibilities

Perform routine testing.
Perform method development and method validation for projects.
Support emergency response events as requested.
Participate in project meetings with stakeholders.
Participate in meetings and conferences to include presenting.
Participate in production and distribution of materials for the Materials Program.
Perform data entry, specimen entry, and duplicate entry within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Sample packing, shipping, and receiving tasks.
Evaluation of non-clinical and clinical samples for exposure to threats related to emergency response and environmental monitoring, using high complexity test systems.
Support of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation by preparing for and participating in inspections.
Writing, reviewing, and revising department standard operating procedures (SOPs), Instrument Operating Procedures (IOPs), and publications.
Ordering and purchasing materials, consumables, and services related to instrumentation for various CER programs.
Completion of routine logbook, maintenance, and function checks (e.g., temperature, humidity, and oxygen monitors).
Perform other tasks as assigned.
Provides result interpretation and participates in educational and outreach activities - 5%
Engages in the development, evaluation, and implementation of new methodologies including techniques for chemical research experiments - 20%
Performs non-routine instrument maintenance and repairs - 10%
Performs high complexity analytical testing, employing quality control and quality assurance practices - 30%
Supports and participates in emergency response events and preparedness activities including working alternative shifts - 5%
Utilizes, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and information management systems to meet unit objectives in alignment with strategic initiatives - 10%
Prepares technical reports, makes scientific recommendations based on findings, and presents materials to stake holder groups through various mediums - 10%
Establishes and maintains partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and communicates research updates to appropriate entities - 5%
Supports and/or trains new employees, students, and other professional colleagues - 5%