Public Health Laboratory Scientist I, Chemistry - Limited Service

State of Vermont•Colchester, VT

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Vermont Department of Health Laboratory Organic Chemistry section is seeking a Chemist I to support the Laboratory Response Network-Chemical (LRN-C) program, with a focus on chemical threat (CT) analysis of biological specimens including blood and urine. This position involves performing and supporting analytical testing using advanced instrumentation such as LC-MS/MS and GC-MS to detect and monitor chemical exposures of public health concern. Example methods may include the analysis of cyanide, nerve agent metabolites, tetramine, and other priority chemical threat compounds in biological matrices. Additionally, this position will support the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) biosurveillance program through analysis of drugs and emerging substances in biological samples, contributing to statewide public health monitoring and response efforts. The ideal candidate is collaborative, detail-oriented, and eager to learn in a highly technical, method-driven laboratory environment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as this role requires working closely with a multidisciplinary team to support critical public health initiatives. The candidate should be a team-oriented individual who contributes positively to laboratory culture, supports colleagues, and helps maintain a respectful and productive work environment. A willingness to develop technical expertise, follow established methods, and uphold high standards of quality, safety, and data integrity is expected.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physical science, biological science or a closely related field.
Ability to work in laboratory conditions with exposure to noxious or harmful fumes and chemicals.
Ability to operate sophisticated laboratory equipment.
Willingness to be called upon with short notice to respond to a public health emergency or natural disaster.
Ability to accurately analyze samples in a short timeframe during emergencies.
Ability to explain laboratory data and testing to the general public.
Ability to explain what the VDHL can do and to educate them regarding public health science.
Collaborative, detail-oriented, and eager to learn in a highly technical, method-driven laboratory environment.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Team-oriented individual who contributes positively to laboratory culture, supports colleagues, and helps maintain a respectful and productive work environment.
Willingness to develop technical expertise, follow established methods, and uphold high standards of quality, safety, and data integrity.

Responsibilities

Performing and supporting analytical testing using advanced instrumentation such as LC-MS/MS and GC-MS to detect and monitor chemical exposures of public health concern.
Analyzing cyanide, nerve agent metabolites, tetramine, and other priority chemical threat compounds in biological matrices.
Supporting the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) biosurveillance program through analysis of drugs and emerging substances in biological samples.
Contributing to statewide public health monitoring and response efforts.
Working closely with a multidisciplinary team to support critical public health initiatives.
Contributing positively to laboratory culture, supporting colleagues, and helping maintain a respectful and productive work environment.
Developing technical expertise, following established methods, and upholding high standards of quality, safety, and data integrity.
Responding to public health emergencies or natural disasters affecting a large segment of the Vermont population.
Accurately analyzing samples during public health emergencies or natural disasters.
Explaining laboratory data and testing to the general public.
Explaining what the VDHL can do and educating the public regarding public health science.