Chemist II

Overview

Perform analytical chemistry work to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant program. Analyze biological and clinical specimens for exposure to chemical threat agents, including but not limited to blistering agents, cyanide, heavy metals, nerve agents, ricin, and Lewisite. Employ advanced instrumentation such as LC‑MS/MS, ICP‑MS, GC/MS, LC‑ICP‑MS, and HRMS to detect trace levels of chemical agents and conduct method development, validation, and improvement.

• Perform qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses of inorganic and organic substances.
• Prepare specimens and carry out analytical procedures for detection and monitoring of chemical agents.
• Develop, validate, and implement CDC‑approved methods for chemical terrorism and biomonitoring.
• Prepare reports and effectively communicate data/results to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Strictly adhere to and maintain Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) protocols and all safety regulations.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation and equipment.
• Utilize Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and other software used by the Public Health Laboratory.
• Work closely with senior chemists on method selection, development, and improvement projects.
• Maintain a clean laboratory and work environment and monitor supply inventories and expendables.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and conferences related to work as required.

• State
  
  Minimum Requirements:
  
  
  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry with laboratory experience related to the area of employment, including experience operating and interpreting results from gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers, or a bachelor's degree in natural sciences with academic credits in chemistry and similar laboratory experience.
  • Doctorate in chemistry may substitute for the required work experience.
• Agency
  
  Additional Requirements:
  
  
  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry and three (3) years of relevant laboratory work experience, including experience in Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS, LC‑MS/MS, ICP‑MS, and/or HRMS).
  • Bachelor's degree in natural sciences with a minimum of sixteen (16) academic credits in chemistry and five (5) years of relevant laboratory work experience, including experience in Mass Spectrometry.
  • Ability to train personnel and work extended hours, weekends, and holidays during emergency situations and exercises.
  • Must follow and adhere to all safety protocols.
  • Ability to bend, climb, and stoop to work on laboratory instrumentation and equipment, and lift 30 lbs.
• Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the South Carolina Department of Public Health Chief Human Resources Officer or delegate.
• Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript; an official, certified copy will be required prior to hiring.

• Master's degree in Chemistry with at least one year of experience working with analytical instrumentation and equipment, including LC‑MS/MS, GC/MSD, ICP‑MS, and/or HRMS.
• Ph.D. in Chemistry.
• Strong background in Mass Spectrometry, method development, separation science, instrument software, coding, and computers.
• Experience with toxicology and clinical analytical chemistry.
• Ability to perform public speaking.
• High desired experience with HRMS.

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long‑term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.  for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

* Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all Full Time Employees (FTE); please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution…