Scientist II

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Feed, Fertilizer and Agricultural Lime (FFAL) Laboratory tests raw commodities and manufactured products to verify product label guarantees and to protect animal and human health. This Scientist II position performs sample preparation, wet chemistry, lab upkeep, and sample custodian duties. Test results support the Nebraska Commercial Feed Program, which ensures feed is wholesome and honestly prepared to protect public and animal health and to prevent consumer fraud. Lab work is performed under a quality management system with specific adherence to ISO 1 7025 to ensure legal defensibility of test results.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with major in chemistry, biology or related field OR Post high school coursework/training in chemistry, biology or related field AND three years of experience in a scientific laboratory.
Regular and Reliable attendance is required.

Responsibilities

Weigh, record, and analyze feed samples for protein and fertilizer samples for nitrogen using the Nitrogen Combustion Analyzer
Weigh, record, and analyze feed and fertilizer samples for nutrients using the Inductively Couple Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
Perform wet chemistry assays for fertilizer samples according to standard laboratory methods (for example, Kjeltec or acid digestion)
Perform salt determination on feed samples by potentiometer method
Operate, maintain, verify, and calibrate lab instruments for testing
Research, develop, and implement new test methods as needed
Perform quality control, method validation
Act as Sample Custodian to maintain chain of custody of regulatory samples
Sample preparation – sorting, splitting, and grinding samples for use in testing
When needed, perform troubleshooting on instruments, techniques, etc.
Write standard operating procedures for instrument operations, analytical methods, and reagent preparations
Submit requests to order lab supplies and follow in-house chemical inventory procedures
Maintain accurate records of all work performed and backup electronic data, as needed, for traceability
As Lead worker, train new colleagues to perform lab test methods or assigned tasks
Adhere to record-keeping, training, and other requirements of the NDA Laboratory Quality Management System
Provide backup assistance FFAL Drugs and Residue team to cover workload needs
Follow safety and emergency action procedures; suggest improvements to existing practices
Other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.

Benefits

13 paid holidays
Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
Military leave
156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
Tuition reimbursement
Employee assistance program
79% employer paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
Training and Development based on your career aspirations
Fun, inviting teammates
A safe and secure environment