Chemist I

About Us The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Public Health Job Classification Title Chemist I (NS) Position Number 60041270 Grade NC14 Responsibilities In the Newborn Screening (NBS) Unit of the NC State Laboratory of Public Health, the Chemist I will: Perform testing on all newborns to detect conditions listed in the state’s Newborn Screening Panel using dried blood spot specimens derived from a heelstick. Handle pre‑analytical, analytical, post‑analytical processes and general responsibilities related to testing, reporting, and ensuring accuracy and validity of results. Perform routine instrument maintenance and use laboratory information systems (LIMS) to record, retrieve, and store results. Execute laboratory processes following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Engage in quality assurance activities, including method validation, instrument comparisons, preparation of proficiency testing specimens, review of QC data, root‑cause analyses, corrective action/preventative action reporting, and instrument troubleshooting. Quality Assurance Responsibilities Participate in method validation studies and instrument comparisons. Prepare proficiency testing specimens. Review QC data from LC‑MS/MS instrumentation. Investigate non‑conforming events and perform root‑cause analyses. Develop and document corrective and preventative action reports. Preferred Qualifications Meeting Federal CLIA ’88 personnel requirements for high‑complexity testing personnel; provide transcript(s) and/or certification(s). Knowledge and experience with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) assays, terminology, and other analytical equipment. Proven experience with clinical laboratory procedures, handling potentially infectious materials, and associated safety aspects. Demonstrated analytical troubleshooting skills and adequate laboratory equipment maintenance. Working knowledge of Quality Assurance program components, daily monitoring of quality controls, complex data analysis, and reporting to demonstrate validity of laboratory methods. Physical Requirement Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, or up to 20 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects. Laboratory Overview The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) provides statewide medical and environmental laboratory testing, consultation, and training to support public and private health providers. As the state’s reference laboratory, NCSLPH performs specialized testing and develops standard laboratory procedures to ensure accurate, high‑quality diagnostics. The laboratory also certifies milk and water testing facilities and offers training to improve statewide laboratory services. Compensation and Benefits Salary Grade Range: $50,633.00 – $88,607.00 Recruitment Range: $50,633.00 – $65,667.00 The State of North Carolina offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance options, retirement plans, the NCFlex program, paid vacation, sick and community service leave, and paid parental leave for eligible employees. Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from an accredited institution and two years of progressive chemistry laboratory experience. OR an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience. EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Reasonable accommodations are provided for employees and applicants with disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, and religious beliefs. #J-18808-Ljbffr NC Department of Health and Human Services