Chemist IV

Position Details

Functional

Title:

Chemist IV

Job Title: Chemist IV

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: Emergency Preparedness

Posting Number: 11127

Closing Date: 03/30/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23

Salary Range: $5,874.80 - $6,764.00

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Shift: Day

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 10%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL)

Location: AUSTIN, TX

Serves as a Chemist for the Chemical Threat Laboratory in support of Cooperative Agreement for Public Health Emergency Preparedness (CDC PHEP) required grant activities. Under the supervision of the Emergency Prep. Branch Manager and the Chemical Threat Team Lead, participates in activities to ensure the Chemical Threat Team is prepared to analyze clinical specimens using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatograph tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS), or biotechnology laboratory automation (BLA) within 24 hours of notification of a suspected or actual chemical terrorism incident.

Provides training in Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Protocols for Chemical Threat testing leveraging ICP-MS, GC-MS, BLA, and LC-MSMS technology. Maintains quality control and preventive maintenance documentation. Implements new LRN methods and procedures as they become available ensuring adherence to protocols. Cross trains in other LRN test procedures and serves as a surge capacity analyst for all team procedures. Assists with preparation and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Chemical Threat Laboratory.

Provides training to Level 3 laboratories in Chemical Threat specimen collection, packaging, and shipping protocols. Interacts with the Biological LRN laboratories ensuring response capacity to a chemical threat event. Assists with activities supporting CDC PHEP grant deliverables. Characterizes/identifies unknown compounds (“white powders”) using wet chemistry or laboratory equipment for law enforcement agencies. Performs tasks with minimal supervision and extensive latitude for using initiative and independent judgment.

Supports laboratory-wide safety culture as liaison to Safety Office.

• EJF 1:
  Ensure the Chemical Threat Team is prepared to analyze clinical specimens within 24 hours after notification of a suspected or actual chemical terrorism event. Prioritize specimens, maintain chain of custody, evaluate data, and troubleshoot instrument issues.
• EJF 2:
  Apply quality assurance and quality control principles required for clinical specimen analysis. Investigate and document corrective actions, review QC data, and verify proficiency sample results.
• EJF 3:
  Prepare and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for team activities. Train team members on instrument operation, specimen tracking, quality control, data interpretation, and results reporting.
• EJF 4:
  Operate and troubleshoot instrumentation. Verify calibration and performance, document maintenance, and monitor instrument performance logs.
• EJF 5:
  Design and implement automation protocols with biotechnology laboratory automation equipment. Program and integrate automated handlers.
• EJF 6:
  Evaluate technical requirements for new analytical and automated workflow methods. Research new procedures, document developmental procedures, and validate methods.
• EJF 7:
  Perform other duties supporting the EP branch, including participation in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation.
• EJF 8:
  Assist with analyses in additional groups and support DSHS/Chemical Threat Laboratory Safety Program activities.

• Operate ICP-MS, GC-MS, liquid handlers, and LC-MSMS instruments.
• Program and operate liquid handlers.
• Handle clinical urine, serum, and blood samples.
• Apply chemical and biological safety and disposal protocols.
• Develop clinical analytical procedures.
• Recognize chemicals used as…