Chemist

Job Summary

The Chemical Emergency Response (CER) Laboratory performs clinical testing for human exposure to chemical threats, biomonitoring, and emerging contaminants of interest to public health. This is a chemist position within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), performing duties under the general supervision of the CER Clinical Metals Supervisor.

This position is primarily focused on trace element determinations including analysis, quality assurance, and accreditation activities using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICPMS) and ICPMS coupled with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Routine testing is performed for lead exposure using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption (GFAA) spectroscopy. Equipment Loan Program (ELP) administration, and support for the proficiency testing (PT) and reference material production are also central responsibilities.

Additional analytical testing on other high complexity instrument platforms is performed. This role will also compile data, complete statistical evaluations and peer review of data sets, including evaluation of PT participant data and reports. Interact with clients and stakeholders to answer program related questions, and maintain expertise in packaging & shipping materials.

This position will also have analytical responsibility for the determination of chemical threat agents and their metabolites, chemical unknowns, and other environmental hazards using high complexity test systems in support of the public health emergency preparedness and response mission. Additional analytical support for the CER Biomonitoring Program may also be performed.

This position will perform specimen receiving and shipping, requisition entry, data entry tasks, and purchasing tasks. Analytical operation, method development, method optimization, training, and collaboration with internal and external partners are also central responsibilities. This position will have the opportunity to work with other state and federal agencies, including participation at professional conferences.

• This position regularly requires the individual to work with blood, urine, and other clinical sample matrices.
• This position requires occasional work on weekends and shifts involving overnight hours.
• Regular work hours for this position are typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and driving record that meets University of Wisconsin Risk Management guidelines is desired.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and good laboratory practice is desired.
• This position requires effective oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively as a team member.
• The CER laboratory is certified through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
• As defined by the Americans with Disabilities act, the employee must be able to perform the essential job functions as outlined in the standard job description with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data - 10%
• Utilizes, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and information management systems to meet unit objectives in alignment with strategic initiatives - 5%
• Participates in educational and outreach activities for various individuals and groups - 5%
• Prepares, develops, and conducts chemical research experiments, analysis of specimens employing quality control and quality assurance practices - 50%
• Prepares, evaluates, packages, and ships Materials Program and Equipment Loan Program materials - 15%
• Utilizes assigned analytical methods-based quality requirements to verify test result validity and/or meet regulatory compliance - 10%
• Supports and participates in emergency response events and preparedness activities including working alternative shifts - 5%

WSLH - Environmental Health Division - Chemical Emergency Response

$49,000/year minimum (Depending on qualifications)

• 0-2 years of laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following test systems: ICPMS,…