Chemistry Technician I

State of North Carolina•Constable Wake, NC

11d•$35,596 - $46,554•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Food & Drug Protection Division (FDPD), specifically within the Organic Chemistry Section. The Organic Chemistry Section analyzes food, animal feed, and agricultural samples for pesticides residues, mycotoxins, and drugs using liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) coupled with various detectors. The section also evaluates the formulation of commercially available pesticides and antifreeze samples. The Mycotoxin Laboratory within this section is responsible for quantitating mycotoxins and drugs in milk, food, animal feed, and forage samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The data generated supports North Carolina farmers and regulatory programs within the Department. This role is crucial for ensuring the health, welfare, and economic interests of consumers by verifying the wholesomeness and proper labeling of various products.

Requirements

Experience preparing reagents or samples for analysis.
Ability to apply knowledge of chemistry methodology and laboratory safety practices.
Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to work with matrices such as grass, hay, and nuts.
Associate's degree in one of the chemical, biological, microbiological, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum including related chemistry laboratory coursework from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to pass a respirator medical and fit test.
Basic skills assessment for weighing and pipetting will be given during the interview.

Responsibilities

Analyzing samples for aflatoxin by ELISA.
Receiving and preparing samples for analysis using mills and other comminution techniques.
Documenting all analyses per ISO 17025 requirements and FDPD quality management system procedures.
Performing laboratory support and maintenance activities to ensure testing readiness and expedite analyses.
Understanding, performing, and evaluating a wide range of standard wet chemistry and instrument-based methods and procedures, including ELISA readers and mills.
Completing analyses within established turnaround times.
Verifying and maintaining instrumentation.
Ensuring adequate laboratory supplies are available.