The Washington State Department of Health is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of Chemist 3 within the Office of Environmental Laboratory Sciences at the Washington State Public Health Laboratories. This position is in the Biomonitoring for Protection of Public Health in Washington State project. To learn more about Shoreline, visit http://www.cityofshoreline.com/. To learn more about the Public Health Laboratories, visit http://www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/PHL/default.htm. The project is currently funded through August 31, 2010 and the Cooperative Agreement supporting the project has been approved through August 30, 2014.
Primary Duties: This position leads the analytical chemistry team at the PHL analyzing specimens for the federally funded biomonitoring project. The position also shares responsibilities for grant administration and quality assurance of the laboratory work. This position also works very closely with the Biomontoring Laboratory Coordinator to meet the schedules and objectives of the Biomonitoring Project, and to serve the Epidemiology and Environmental Health partners of the Project.
The position also coordinates closely with the Chemical Incident Response Laboratory on the use of common instruments used by each team in their work. Specifically, the position: • Specializes in instrumental analyses for the detection of specific hazardous chemical compounds and metabolites, such as speciated Arsenic and pesticides, in clinical specimens. The Chemist3 will be trained in NHANES methods on ultra-sensitive analytical instruments by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). • Develops and modifies existing methods and techniques to improve response. • Performs speciated arsenic analyses on High Performance Liquid Chromatograph with Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometer detector (HPLC-ICP-MS). • Maintains and troubleshoots HPLC-ICP-MS. • Maintains and upgrades HPLC-ICP-MS software system, and links to the Laboratory Instrument Network. • Performs pesticide metabolite analyses on Gas Chromatograph instrument with Mass Spectrometer detector (GC-MS). • Maintains and upgrades GC-MS systems as required. • Performs analyses on High Performance Liquid Chromatograph with tandem Mass Spectometer detector (HPLC-MS/MS). • Maintains and troubleshoots HPLC-MS/MS. • Performs preparation of clinical specimens according to standard or specified methods using Solid Phase Extraction, autopipet, digestion, ashing, chemical derivation, and other techniques and equipment as required. • Programs, maintains, and troubleshoots preparation equipment. • Performs data analysis and preparation for presentation as required. • Maintains instrument records according to the requirements of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). • Maintains all laboratory equipment in readiness for Proficiency Tests, according to Biomonitoring Laboratory procedure. • Monitors and helps report on the progress of the Laboratory on the technical deliverables of the Biomonitoring Cooperative Agreement.
Required Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering • Three (3) or more years expeience in instrumental analysis of chemicals using ICP-MS, HPLC, and GC-MS Desired Qualifications: • Five (5) or more years experience in analytical laboratories. • Understanding of the principles of environmental monitoring. • Experience as a team leader. Conditions of Employment: • Willing and able to work with hazardous chemicals such as acids, bases and organic substances • Willing and able to undergo a background-check which includes fingerprinting • Willing and able to receive vaccinations due to potential exposure to certain microorganisms/agents within the laboratory • Willing and able to undergo medical evaluation, a requirement for use of respirators • Willing and able to work with radioactive materials • Willing and able to work in a chemical fume hood or biological safety cabinet • Willing and able to physically handle pressurized and liquefied gas cylinders • Willing and able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE's) such as a respirator and anti-contamination coveralls • Willing and able to occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week and outside assigned core work hours • Willing and able to work standing in one location for up to 2 straight hours • Willing and able to occasionally accompany field teams during sampling operations in physically challenging or potentially hazardous conditions
Application Process: Individuals interested in applying for this position should visit the complete job announcement at http://www.doh.wa.gov/job_ann/DOH960.doc for more information and instructions on how to apply.
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