Chemist II - 61008889

Full Job Description

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Performs high complexity analysis of clinical specimens for exposure to chemical threat agents in support of the CDC's Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement.

Performs quantitative chemical analysis and interprets highly complex and varied analytical chemistry procedures for inorganic and organic substances.

Conducts specimen preparation and analytical procedures for the detection and monitoring of trace levels of chemical agents associated with, but not limited to chemical terrorism and incidental exposures.

Chemical threats include, but are not limited to blistering agents, cyanide, heavy metals, nerve agents, ricin, and Lewisite.

Performs analytical procedures using Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Liquid Chromatography–Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS), and/or High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS).Develop, validate, and implement CDC approved chemical toxic agent methods in the areas of chemical terrorism and biomonitoring/biosurveillance.

Perform scientific mathematical calculations, prepare reports, and effectively communicate data/results to colleagues and stakeholders.

Strictly adhere to and maintain quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols and all safety regulations.

Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation and equipment. Learn and utilize LIMS and other software used by the Public Health Laboratory.

Work closely with senior chemists on method selection, development, and improvement projects. Maintain a clean lab and work environment. Monitor supply inventories and expendables.

Periodically attend meetings, trainings, and conferences related to work.

Requirements

State Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers; or a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences with academic credits in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers.

A doctorate in chemistry may be substituted for the required work experience.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemistry and three years of relevant work experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in Mass Spectrometry.

Experience using GC/MSD, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, and/or HRMS; or a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences with a minimum of sixteen (16) academic credits in chemistry and five (5) years of relevant work experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in Mass Spectrometry.

Experience using GC/MS, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, and/or HRMS.

Ability to train personnel, work extended hours/weekends/holidays during emergency situations and exercises, make visual observations of specimens, reports, etc.

Must be able to follow and adhere to all safety protocols. Ability to bend, climb, and stoop in order to work on laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Qualifications

Additional Information

EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.