IN-DOH-Chemist for Antibiotic Wastewater Project

Wastewater Epidemiology Project Chemist

Incumbent serves as a junior level chemist in the Chemistry Laboratory of the IDOH Chemistry Laboratories. Incumbent prepares and analyzes samples for antibiotics in wastewater as part of a wastewater epidemiology project. Other range of contaminants include opioids, radionuclides, metals, and pesticides.

Qualifications:

• Incumbent shall have at least a bachelor's degree in chemical or physical science from an accredited college or university.
• Incumbent shall have a minimum of 2 years of experience as an analytical chemist.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Performs highly complex chemical analysis on environmental, food or clinical matrices to determine the level of contaminants or toxic substances using sophisticated instrumentation in compliance with EPA, FDA, or CLIA requirements.
• Adheres to Quality Assurance guidelines.
• Maintains proficiency and technical expertise by passing Proficiency Testing (PT) samples.
• Maintains assigned instrumentation in working order; performs preventative maintenance and repair on laboratory equipment.
• Completes all required paperwork; maintains instrument logbook, prepares technical reports and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintains a safe and uncluttered work area.
• Trains and cross trains on other analytical procedures within the laboratory.
• Assists the supervisor by performing related tasks as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Technical knowledge of and ability to operate highly complex laboratory equipment such as LC/MS/MS, LC/QTOF and GC/MS/MS.
• Familiarity with Sciex equipment such as QTRAP 6500+ and X500QT
  OF preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others both within and outside of the laboratory.
• Broad knowledge of good laboratory practices (GLP) and good automated laboratory practices (GALP).
• Broad knowledge of principles and practices of analytical, organic and inorganic chemistry with subsequent experience during the last 2 years.
• Specialized knowledge of related scientific areas such as information systems, physics, and statistics.
• Practical knowledge of laboratory safety and biosafety.
• Extensive knowledge of appropriate state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies relative to the specialty area such as EPA, FDA, DEA, ISO 17025, CLIA.
• Ability to design analytical techniques and develop new methods of analysis.
• Ability to assist with epidemiological and/or statistical reports from data compiled on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis.

Incumbent works under minimal supervision as a subject matter expert. Technical assistance is occasionally sought if expertise outside the incumbent's specialized area is needed. Work is reviewed and evaluated upon completion for general technical accuracy; however, tasks are performed independently. Incumbent's work has a substantial impact on the control and identification of opioids and other substances used for public health surveillance.

Incumbent works with the supervisor, other State Department of Health employees, and representatives from the other state, local, and federal agencies to receive or provide assistance or work for solutions to common problems concerning analytical problems/techniques or interpretation of federal requirements. Incumbent must be able to handle and prepare clinical specimens. Working conditions include laboratory environment with hazards such as compressed gasses, flammable materials and chemicals which may be poisons or carcinogens/teratogens.

Biohazards are also present. Appropriate safety precautions are always required.