Chemist II

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Performs analyses of clinical specimens for exposure to chemical threat agents in support of the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement and supports the Public Health Laboratory's Overdose Biosurveillance Program through the Overdose Data to Action in States Cooperative Agreement. Liaison with the CDC Division of Laboratory Services, which currently performs this type of testing. Assure full documentation of methods selected and of their validation.

Performs qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses of and experiments with inorganic and organic substances for exposure to chemical threats and biomonitoring/biosurveillance.

Conduct specimen preparation and analytical procedures to detect and monitor trace levels of chemical agents, including but not limited to blister agents, cyanide, heavy metals, nerve agents, ricin, and Lewisite. Perform analyses using advanced instrumentation, such as Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Liquid Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS), and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS).

Develop, validate, and implement CDC-approved chemical toxic agent methods for chemical terrorism response and biomonitoring/biosurveillance. Perform scientific calculations, prepare technical reports, and communicate data and results effectively to colleagues and stakeholders. Adhere strictly to quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols and all laboratory safety regulations. Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of analytical instruments and laboratory equipment. Utilize Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and other specialized software used in the Public Health Laboratory.

Collaborate with senior chemists on method selection, development, and continuous improvement projects. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment. Monitor and manage laboratory supplies and expendables. Participate in periodic meetings, trainings, and conferences to stay current in the field.

A bachelor’s degree in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers; or a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences with academic credits in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers.

A doctorate in chemistry may be substituted for the required work experience.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

A bachelor’s degree in chemistry and three years of relevant work experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in Mass Spectrometry. Experience using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spec (LC-MS/MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and/or High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS); or a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences with a minimum of sixteen (16) academic credits in chemistry and five (5) years of relevant work experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in GC/MS, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, and/or HRMS.

Ability to train personnel, work extended hours/weekends/holidays during emergency situations and exercises, make visual observations of specimens, reports, etc. Must be able to follow and adhere to all safety protocols. Ability to bend, climb, and stoop in order to work on…