Public Health Laboratory Scientist III, Chemistry - Limited Service

State of Vermont•Colchester, VT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Vermont Department of Health Laboratory Organic Chemistry section is seeking a Chemist 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

Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, radiochemistry, health physics, forensic science or a related chemical or biological science.
OR Master's degree in chemistry, physical science, biological science or a closely related field AND one (1) year or more of professional level quantitative, radiochemistry or instrumental chemistry laboratory experience in a public health, environmental or related laboratory setting.
OR Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physical science, biological science or a closely related field AND three (3) years or more of professional level quantitative, radiochemistry or instrumental chemistry laboratory experience in a public health, environmental or related laboratory setting.
OR One (1) year or more of experience as a Public Health Laboratory Scientist II, Chemistry.

Nice To Haves

Collaborative
Detail-oriented
Eager to learn in a highly technical, method-driven laboratory environment
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Team-oriented individual
Willingness to develop technical expertise
Ability to follow established methods
Ability to 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 with short notice.
Explaining laboratory data and testing to the general public.
Educating the public regarding public health science.