CTAT (Chemical Terrorism and Threat Unit Manager)

State of North Carolina

2d • $78,579 - $153,228

About The Position

Description of Work: The Chemistry Manager II leads the Chemical Terrorism and Threat (CTAT) Unit, a large, multi-section chemistry laboratory responsible for conducting a wide range of standardized and non-standardized chemical analyses. This position oversees laboratory operations, supervises technical staff, and manages administrative functions such as budgeting, staffing, and program planning. The role requires advanced expertise in chemistry and laboratory science to evaluate testing methodologies, implement procedural improvements, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The manager serves as the laboratory’s top technical authority and collaborates with internal and external partners to support public health and regulatory objectives. The CTAT Unit provides direct laboratory support to detect or investigate potential acts of terrorism that involve the use of chemical weapons or toxins. The Unit acts in a manner that strengthens emergency response within the NC Division of Public Health by providing data to support evidence-based decision making that enhances local, state, and federal emergency response activities, mitigates risks, and allows for the initiation of appropriate counter measures and agent specific treatment that limits morbidity and mortality in North Carolina. The Unit maintains readiness to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year to emergency situations warranting clinical specimen and environmental sample collection, transportation and rapid analysis. The CTAT Unit is an active member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Chemical Laboratory Response Network (LRN-C) that works collaboratively with local, state and federal partners (public health, law enforcement, and emergency management) to identify hazards and mitigate risks. In this capacity, the CTAT Unit routinely evaluates, validates, and implements cutting-edge technologies to rapidly detect chemical threats, toxins, and weapons of mass destruction to support LRN-C activities. The CTAT Unit is also responsible for conducting routine blood lead testing in children and prenatal women to identify individuals in need of interventions to reduce their exposure.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and seven years of progressive chemistry laboratory experience including at least two years supervisory experience OR An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
• Employees in this position must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA ’88 personnel requirements of a Technical Supervisor in a laboratory performing high complexity testing.
• Applicants must attach copies of their transcript(s) and/or certification(s) to be considered for the position.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience managing multi-section laboratory operations, including workflow coordination, resource planning, and performance monitoring.
• Expert-level proficiency in developing and validating complex chemical testing methods using advanced instrumentation such as ICP-MS, GC-MS, or HPLC.
• Proven track record of implementing laboratory quality assurance programs aligned with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Skilled in interpreting and applying federal and state laboratory regulations to ensure operational compliance and audit readiness.
• Experienced in leading cross-functional teams through organizational change initiatives, including procedural updates and technology integration.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee operations across two laboratory sections performing diverse chemical analyses.
• Supervise, evaluate, and support the work of technical staff.
• Develop and implement laboratory policies, procedures, and quality assurance protocols.
• Plan and manage laboratory budgets, staffing levels, and resource allocations.
• Review and approve complex or non-standard testing methodologies and analytical procedures.
• Evaluate and select laboratory instrumentation, ensuring alignment with testing requirements and scientific advancements.
• Interpret and apply federal and state regulations, agency policies, and scientific standards to laboratory operations.
• Coordinate laboratory activities with other departments and external partners to support public health and regulatory goals.
• Analyze laboratory performance data and implement improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
• Serve as the laboratory’s technical expert, providing guidance on advanced chemistry principles and problem-solving complex analytical challenges.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.
• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees