Laboratory Analyst I, II, III or Senior

MSU Jobs•Starkville, MS

11d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for a range of essential laboratory duties performed with a strong emphasis on quality, including the receipt and custody of samples, adherence to protocols, and use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for sample tracking and data entry. The Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory (MSCL) is a state-appropriated regulatory agency for the State of Mississippi as well as a fee-for-service laboratory located on the campus of Mississippi State University. MSCL is dedicated to ensuring the quality and safety of fertilizers, pesticides, animal feeds, petroleum products, and manufactured and retail food. It provides fast, defensible, and reliable analytical data to: 1. The State’s regulatory agencies, including MDAC Bureau of Plant Industry. 2. The State’s federations and councils, such as the MS Farm Bureau and Delta Council. 3. The State’s industries, including Poultry, Catfish, and Manufacturing. 4. The State’s citizens. The MSCL adheres to the highest professional standards and provides quality analytical services in a timely manner.

Requirements

A professional employee with a bachelor’s degree and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Lab Analyst I level.
To start at the Lab Analyst II level, one must have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, and the equivalent of a master’s degree.
For the Lab Analyst III level, a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience, and the equivalent of a master’s degree are required.
Alternatively, a professional employee with a master’s degree and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience, along with demonstrated competency, can begin work at the Lab Analyst II level.
To start at the Lab Analyst III level, one must have a master’s degree and a minimum of 3 years of experience.
Indicated education is required; no substitutions allowed.
Thorough knowledge of good laboratory practices (GLP), methodologies, and safety.
Thorough knowledge of concepts and principles of chemistry, biology, mathematics, microbiology and/or other related scientific fields.
Thorough knowledge of relevant regulations and quality control standards.
Ability to uphold principles of laboratory ethics as applied to the production of valid analytical data.
Possess problem-solving skills.
Ability to pay attention to detail and precision in conducting experiments and reviewing results.
Ability to adapt and learn to apply new techniques and technologies.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to pass all proficiency tests and competencies.
Skilled in using laboratory equipment and computer software to conduct sample and data analysis.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or in a related field.
Demonstrate competence in the principles, methods, and techniques of analytical chemistry.
Field and laboratory work experience beyond the minimum required.

Responsibilities

Perform duties with a strong focus on customer service, such as: sample custody, laboratory preparatory work of samples, chain-of-custody protocols, use of the LIMS for sample tracking and data entry.
Ensures that timely analyses are performed in accordance with established holding times and turnaround expectations.
Performs assigned analyses according to established QA/QC requirements, including all documentation and verifications that analytical level quality control criteria are met as required for compliance with appropriate regulations promulgated by federal agencies, state agencies, and other regulatory bodies.
Responsibilities include conducting a variety of analytical techniques (e.g. GC, GC/MS, LC, HPLC, ICP, ICP/MS, ANKOM, ELEMENTAR, etc.) across broad service areas including chemical, industrial, & agricultural, research, and petroleum products.
Calculates and interprets results, evaluates data against quality control standards, and accurately reports findings
Participates in proficiency tests (PTs) including conceptual knowledge to demonstrate analytical competency.
Maintains laboratory supply inventories.
As a team member, participates in implementation of updated and complex procedures and updated or new protocols.
Participation in proficiency testing is required to demonstrate competency
Acquires new knowledge in the field by reading, attending seminars and workshops; participates in continuing education.
Performs related duties as assigned.