Chemist II - 61006564

State of South Carolina • Richland County, SC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs analyses of biological specimens for CDC defined chemical terrorism agents in support of the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant program. Liaison with the CDC Division of Laboratory Services Areas which are currently performing this type of testing. Assure full documentation of methods selected and of their validation. Perform qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses of and experiments with inorganic and organic substances. Performs high complexity analysis of clinical specimens for exposure to chemical threat agents in support of the CDC's Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement. Performs quantitative chemical analysis and interprets highly complex and varied analytical chemistry procedures for inorganic and organic substances. Conducts specimen preparation and analytical procedures for the detection and monitoring of trace levels of chemical agents associated with, but not limited to chemical terrorism and incidental exposures. Chemical threats include, but are not limited to blistering agents, cyanide, heavy metals, nerve agents, ricin, and Lewisite. Performs analytical procedures using Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Liquid Chromatography–Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS), and/or High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). Develop, validate, and implement CDC approved chemical toxic agent methods in the areas of chemical terrorism and biomonitoring/biosurveillance. Perform scientific mathematical calculations, prepare reports, and effectively communicate data/results to colleagues and stakeholders. Strictly adhere to and maintain quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols and all safety regulations. Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation and equipment. Learn and utilize LIMS and other software used by the Public Health Laboratory. Work closely with senior chemists on method selection, development, and improvement projects. Maintain a clean lab and work environment. Monitor supply inventories and expendables. Periodically attend meetings, trainings, and conferences related to work.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers; or a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences with academic credits in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers.
• A doctorate in chemistry may be substituted for the required work experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

Nice To Haves

• A Master's Degree in Chemistry with at least one (1) year of experience working with analytical instrumentation and equipment including one or more of the following: LC-MS/MS, GC/MSD, ICP-MS, and/or HRMS with emphasis on analytical chemistry.
• A PhD in Chemistry.
• A strong background in Mass Spectrometry (MS), method development, separation science, instrument software, coding, and computers is highly desired.
• Toxicology and clinical analytical chemistry experience.
• Ability to perform public speaking.
• Experience with HRMS highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Performs analyses of biological specimens for CDC defined chemical terrorism agents in support of the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant program.
• Liaison with the CDC Division of Laboratory Services Areas which are currently performing this type of testing.
• Assure full documentation of methods selected and of their validation.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses of and experiments with inorganic and organic substances.
• Performs high complexity analysis of clinical specimens for exposure to chemical threat agents in support of the CDC's Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement.
• Performs quantitative chemical analysis and interprets highly complex and varied analytical chemistry procedures for inorganic and organic substances.
• Conducts specimen preparation and analytical procedures for the detection and monitoring of trace levels of chemical agents associated with, but not limited to chemical terrorism and incidental exposures.
• Performs analytical procedures using Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Liquid Chromatography–Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS), and/or High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS).
• Develop, validate, and implement CDC approved chemical toxic agent methods in the areas of chemical terrorism and biomonitoring/biosurveillance.
• Perform scientific mathematical calculations, prepare reports, and effectively communicate data/results to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Strictly adhere to and maintain quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols and all safety regulations.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation and equipment.
• Learn and utilize LIMS and other software used by the Public Health Laboratory.
• Work closely with senior chemists on method selection, development, and improvement projects.
• Maintain a clean lab and work environment.
• Monitor supply inventories and expendables.
• Periodically attend meetings, trainings, and conferences related to work.

Benefits

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