Chemist

Battelle • Atlanta, GA

14h • Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle is seeking a Chemist to work in the Emergency Response Branch at the CDC. The Emergency Response Branch (ERB) develops and performs unique laboratory tests to assess chemical exposures during a public health emergency or terrorist event. In a public health emergency, the rapid detection and accurate identification of causative chemical agents can be crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Additionally, ERB develops solutions and support laboratory surveillance for overdose and mental health. ERB measures multiple biomarkers in clinical samples using a variety of analytical techniques and provides technical support to state public health laboratories. The selected applicant will serve as a team member in the Toxins and Drugs of Abuse Laboratory within ERB providing needed analytical testing, method development, data reporting, and data management skills.

Requirements

• BS with 2+ years’ experience or MS level chemist with relevant experience in analytical chemistry, clinical chemistry, metabolomics, clinical forensics, or related scientific fields
• Advanced high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and liquid chromatography (LC) experience
• Knowledge of advanced sample preparation techniques
• Experience in clinical method development
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety
• Business and scientific communication and writing skills, including the ability to maintain complex data with minimal errors

Nice To Haves

• Experience with clinical samples (e.g. urine, blood)
• Experience analyzing and reporting samples using high-resolution mass spectrometry methods
• Knowledge of CLIA/ISO requirements for clinical laboratories
• Previous experience working in a CLIA/ISO regulated environment

Responsibilities

• Assist to develop new qualitative high-resolution LC-MS based methods for confirming exposures to toxins, chemical weapons, and drugs of abuse from clinical samples
• Collect, document, and review high-resolution MS spectra, following established protocols
• Coordinate and manage reference materials inventory and diluted solutions for future access and traceability of materials and spectra to expand Library repository for open access. Involves the use of DEA restricted materials.
• Contribute to building and utilizing computational resources to mine available high-resolution MS data.
• Serve as a primary analyst for CLIA-compliant clinical assays based on high-resolution LC-MS
• Serve as a primary user for high-resolution LC-MS systems, responsible for coordinating maintenance, ensuring compliance with quality requirements, and monitoring ongoing performance
• Maintain a safe working environment and follow applicable safety guidelines
• Maintain a laboratory notebook, prepare project reports, documentation, and slides as needed
• Report results through peer-reviewed scientific articles
• Adhere to the universal precautions regarding the handling of biological samples and biological waste
• Adhere to CDC/NCEH/DLS and CLIA 88 guidelines with regard to laboratory protocols and quality control
• Adhere to the CDC/NCEH/DLS policy of treating all data as confidential
• Adhere to the CDC/NCEH/DLS and Battelle policy of laboratory safety and security
• Attend and actively participate in meetings and discussions, prepare professional business communications, and work collaboratively with others in a team environment

Benefits

• Compressed work schedule
• Hybrid work arrangement
• Paid time off
• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness incentives
• Supplemental benefits
• Coverage for partners
• Gender-affirming care and health support
• Family formation support
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

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