Chemist II-61006564

Job Responsibilities

Performs analyses of biological specimens for Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-defined chemical terrorism agents in support of the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant program.

Liaison with the CDC Division of Laboratory Services Areas which are currently performing this type of testing.

Affirm full documentation of methods selected and their validation.

Performs qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses of and experiments with inorganic and organic substances.

Performs high complexity analysis of clinical specimens for exposure to chemical threat agents in support of the CDC's Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement.

Performs quantitative chemical analysis and interprets highly complex and varied analytical chemistry procedures for inorganic and organic substances.

C conducts specimen preparation and analytical procedures for the detection and monitoring of trace levels of chemical agents associated with, but not limited to chemical terrorism and incidental exposures.

Chemical threats include, but are not limited to blistering agents, cyanide, heavy metals, nerve agents, ricin, and Lewisite.

Performs analytical procedures using Liquid Chromatography with 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/or High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS).

Develops, validates, and implements CDC approved chemical toxic agent methods in the areas of chemical terrorism and biomonitoring/biosurveillance.

Performs scientific mathematical calculations, prepares reports, and effectively communicates data/results to colleagues and stakeholders.

Strictly adheres to and maintains Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) protocols and all safety regulations.

Performs routine maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation and equipment.

Learns and utilizes LIMS and other software used by the Public Health Laboratory.

Works closely with senior chemists on method selection, development, and improvement projects.

Maintains a clean lab and work environment.

Maintains supply inventories and expendables.

Periodically attends meetings, trainings, and conferences related to work.

Requirements

• 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.

Additional Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry and three (3) years of relevant work experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in Mass Spectrometry.
• 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 Mass Spectrometry.
• Experience using GC/MSD, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, and/or 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 Mass Spectrometry.
• Experience using GC/MS, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, and/or HRMS.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's Degree in Chemistry with at least one (1) year of experience working with analytical instrumentation and equipment including one or more of the following: LC-MS/MS, GC/MSD, ICP-MS, and/or HRMS with emphasis on analytical chemistry.
• A PhD in Chemistry.
• A strong background in Mass Spectrometry (MS), method development, separation science, instrument software, coding, and computers is highly desired.
• Preference given to those with toxicology and clinical analytical chemistry experience.
• Ability to perform public speaking.
• Experience with HRMS highly desired.