Chemist III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

8d • $4,523 - $6,250 • Onsite

About The Position

Works in the GC analysis Group performing analysis on environmental samples. Works with the Team Leaders on projects with considerable latitude for independent judgment to complete assigned tasks. Performs the preparation, extraction, and moderately complex analysis of samples for gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using approved methods for the sample matrix. Performs highly complex maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment. Assists with method development and validation projects. Serves as Lead Worker to track samples, review data, and report results. Meets all HHSC Performance Criteria. Follows all HHSC and DSHS Policies and Procedures.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree or higher in chemistry, environmental sciences, biological sciences, or physical sciences.
• At least 2 years experience working in a high throughput laboratory.
• Knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods for testing environmental samples and skill in performance of the methods.
• Knowledge of EPA and The NELAC Institute (TNI) quality systems.
• Knowledge of data acquisition systems and skill in their use for preparing calibration curves for quantitation of samples, evaluation of QC parameters and producing reports.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance systems.
• Skill in operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers or high performance liquid chromatographs (HPLC) for the analysis of various sample matrices.
• Skill in the interpretation of highly complex chromatograms and mass spectra and in the evaluation of quality control data to produce valid results.
• Skill in the organization of work load to meet the required holding times and due dates for analysis of samples.
• Ability to set up and use software to evaluate recovery data and to apply statistical means to set quality control limits.
• Ability to read and follow procedures, interpret necessary tasks and to document procedures accurately.
• Ability to coordinate sample load and implement quality control procedures.
• Ability to work closely with all personnel to complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to manually manipulate samples and quality controls in preparation for analysis.
• Ability to manually perform required maintenance tasks ensuring the performance of assigned equipment.
• Ability to track and handle necessary supplies.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in an environmental laboratory preferred.
• Experience working with Gas Chromatography preferred.
• Experience working in an EPA accredited laboratory preferred.
• Experience in laboratory quality assurance systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and/or analyze samples for organic compounds by GC, GC/MS, or HPLC.
• Check samples for proper preservative and container.
• Prepare reagents and standards.
• Monitor expiration dates.
• Perform sample preparation techniques including liquid/liquid and solid phase extraction, use of sonicators and shakers, performance of chemical reactions including derivatizations in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Manual requirements.
• Prepare and/or analyze quality control samples according to SOPs.
• Calibrate instruments and verify standards using reference materials.
• Develop data acquisition parameters for identification of target compounds.
• Identify target compounds and interpret highly complex chromatograms and/or spectra.
• Determine the appropriate procedures for quantitation.
• Monitor quality control parameters as required by the methods.
• Prepare dilutions to meet the analytical range of the calibration curve.
• Perform first level review of data per SOP requirements.
• Notify team lead immediately of any issues.
• Serve as Lead Worker when needed to track samples, assign work, review data, and report results in the absence of or under the direction of the Team Leader.
• Coordinate assignments and provide the necessary resources for the staff as needed.
• Perform second level review and approval before expiration of holding times or assigned deadlines.
• Operate and perform highly complex maintenance and verification of equipment as specified in SOPs and equipment manuals.
• Troubleshoot highly complex problems using policies and procedures, equipment manuals, knowledge, experience and available service contracts.
• Maintain reagents and supplies by following laboratory procedures for inventory control.
• Present written requests for supplies and standards to team leader 120 days in advance of need.
• Inform the Team Leader of any equipment or inventory problems.
• Submit weekly request for available LabSupply items.
• Follow SOPs to receive supplies and verify that the supplies meet procedure specifications.
• Maintain complete, timely and accurate records of maintenance and inventory.
• Read and follow all policies, procedures and guidelines of the Quality Manual, USEPA Drinking Water Certification Manual, The NELAC Institute (TNI), reference methods, and administrative, analytical and quality assurance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Participate in training.
• Perform Initial Demonstration of Capability before working independently on samples.
• Maintain proficiency for assigned methods by performing Continuing Demonstrations of Capability, Method Detection Limit studies and by analyzing Proficiency Testing samples.
• Respond to any internal or external audit findings as responsible or assigned.
• Provide analytical and quality assurance support within the team as needed.
• Maintain complete, timely and accurate records of all procedures performed.
• Accurately track samples.
• Prepare and/or analyze samples to meet EPA holding time (no exceptions).
• Work to meet and exceed the on-time delivery goals by test and client and at a productive rate.
• Extraction and/or analysis must be performed using acceptable QA/QC and SOP practices.
• Consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safely functioning laboratory.
• Minimize exposure of all personal to chemical hazards by proper use of personal protective equipment, management practices, use of fume hoods and proper safety practices in the laboratory.
• Read and follow the Chemical Hygiene Plan and SOPs.
• Properly label all chemicals.
• Follow safety data sheet (SDS) recommendations.
• Wear safety glasses and lab coats at all times in designated areas.
• Properly identify, label, record and dispose of wastes and samples.
• Keep work area clean and organized to reduce contamination.
• Maintain glassware by performing the cleaning procedures in the SOPs.
• Attend all required safety training.
• Communicate with others immediately when safety problems arise.
• Notify Group Manager of all absences.
• Enter leave into CAPPS.
• Perform required training.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Team Leader or Group Manager.
• Extract and/or analyze quality control samples for method development and validation projects.
• Offer suggestions and new ideas for improving performance and operations.
• Train others.
• Actively participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
• Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level