Laboratory Scientist - Environmental Inorganic Unit

Title

Laboratory Scientist - Environmental Inorganic Unit

$25.03 - $42.18 / Posted Thru: 6/5/2026

Lansing, MI - State of Michigan Laboratories

The Laboratory Scientist in this position provides analytical support and carries out a range of professional laboratory assignments involving the analysis of environmental and biological samples for a variety of heavy metals, haloacetic acids, trihalomethanes, persistent and non-persistent organic pollutants, and a wide range of other environmental and industrial contaminants within the Environmental Inorganic Unit. The analysis of environmental and biological samples includes sample preparation, quantitative analysis, performing routine maintenance on laboratory equipment, reviewing, and reporting through the current LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).

The Laboratory Scientist participates in method development and validations, including written laboratory reports, procedures, practices, and policies. Lastly, this position assures accurate data is obtained and reported in a timely manner to the appropriate follow‑up programs throughout the state and country in support of public health decisions.

• Perform analysis of environmental and biological samples for a variety of heavy metals, haloacetic acids, trihalomethanes, persistent and non-persistent organic pollutants, and a wide range of other environmental and industrial contaminants in support of the Food Emergency Response Network, Environmental Biomonitoring Programs, Lead Hazard Remediation Program, and other cooperative agreements.
• Sort, organize, and log batches of samples into Starlims, the laboratory information system, according to the appropriate procedure.
• Perform sample preparation for environmental, biological, and other types of samples received into the laboratory.
• Prepare stock standards, spikes, blanks, controls, solutions, and other reagents for analysis by equipment according to the appropriate procedure.
• Assemble supplies, prepare equipment and analytical instrumentation for the assays following the authorized methods.
• Review data from instruments, samples request forms and reports for accuracy.
• Review and evaluate the validity of laboratory test results using Quality Control (QC) values specific to the analytical methodology.
• Review instrument calibration, quality control and sample analysis data in terms of acceptable performance standards.
• Post accurate results to the specific databases for each of the various sample types.
• Perform analysis on proficiency testing materials.
• Maintain competency at the appropriate frequency and according to the accreditation guidelines.
• Maintain instrument maintenance logs, balance logs, sample receiving logs, reagent logs, and other laboratory logs/sheets according to established policies and procedures to meet regulatory requirements.
• Assure proper disposal of biological and chemical waste materials generated during the performance of assigned laboratory work.
• Follow all laboratory procedures and practices pertaining to universal precautions, laboratory safety, laboratory infection control, laboratory chemical hygiene and the handling of hazardous materials.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instruments and associated computers.
• Assist in the development of written laboratory procedures for new laboratory methods; review, evaluate and modify current laboratory methods as needed.
• Perform evaluations on current and new laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Design and perform studies to evaluate and modify current laboratory methods.
• Work with other laboratory scientists in the unit, section, and division to review, update and write laboratory procedures as necessary.
• Perform implementation and evaluation of new laboratory instrumentation and equipment including the Star Lims database system.
• Conduct laboratory studies to develop new laboratory methods utilizing analytical instrument techniques, analyze the data and create reports to summarize findings.
• Follows quality assurance procedures established within the section; including the development, preparation, characterization, and implementation of quality…