Junior Analytical Chemist - Toxicology & Contaminant Analysis Specialist

Description

In this role, you will serve as a junior chemist within the Chemistry Laboratory of the IDOH Chemistry Laboratories. Your primary responsibilities will involve the preparation and analysis of samples such as urine and serum/blood for opioids and other novel psychoactive substances. Additionally, your expertise will extend to analyzing a range of contaminants including pharmaceuticals, radionuclides, metals, and pesticides.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in chemical or physical science from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience as an analytical chemist.
  
  

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform complex chemical analysis on environmental, food, or clinical matrices in compliance with EPA, FDA, or CLIA requirements.
• Adhere to Quality Assurance guidelines.
• Maintain proficiency and technical expertise by passing Proficiency Testing (PT) samples.
• Keep assigned laboratory instrumentation in working order; perform preventative maintenance and repairs.
• Complete necessary paperwork, maintain instrument logbooks, prepare technical reports, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure a safe and organized work area.
• Train and cross-train on other analytical procedures within the laboratory.
• Support the supervisor by performing related tasks as assigned.
  
  

Job Requirements

• Technical knowledge of highly complex laboratory equipment such as LC/MS/MS, LC/QTOF, and GC/MS/MS, with familiarity with Sciex equipment preferred.
• Strong communication skills, effective with peers and external contacts.
• Broad understanding of good laboratory practices (GLP) and good automated laboratory practices (GALP).
• Solid knowledge of principles and practices of analytical, organic, and inorganic chemistry.
• Specialized understanding of related scientific disciplines such as information systems, physics, and statistics.
• Practical knowledge of laboratory safety and biosafety, including relevant state and federal regulations (EPA, FDA, DEA, ISO 17025, CLIA).
• Ability to design analytical techniques and develop new methods of analysis.
• Skills to assist with preparing epidemiological and/or statistical reports from data.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

Not applicable.

Difficulty of Work

You will be engaged in scientific analyses demanding accuracy and proficiency in laboratory analytical skills. The work often involves analyzing complex matrices and requires analytical judgment to draw accurate conclusions. There may be instances where expert testimony may be required in judicial proceedings. Errors could adversely affect public health and safety.

Responsibility

You will work under minimal supervision as a subject matter expert, with occasional technical assistance sought for specialized areas. Your work will have a significant impact on the control and identification of opioids and other substances for public health surveillance.

Personal Work Relationships

Collaboration with your supervisor, State Department of Health employees, and representatives from other agencies will be key to addressing analytical problems and interpreting federal requirements.

Physical Effort

You must be able to handle and prepare clinical specimens.

Working Conditions

The position requires working in a laboratory environment with potential hazards, including compressed gases, flammable materials, and toxic chemicals. Strict adherence to safety precautions is mandatory.

Employment Type: Temporary