Chemist

Overview Job Responsibilities Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference! Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity. 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. Assure full documentation of methods selected and of their validation. Perform 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. 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 LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, GC/MS, LC-ICP-MS, and HRMS. Develop, validate, and implement CDC approved chemical toxic agent methods in the areas of chemical terrorism and biomonitoring/biosurveillance. Perform scientific mathematical calculations, prepare reports, and effectively communicate data/results to colleagues and stakeholders. Strictly adhere to and maintain QA/QC protocols and all safety regulations. Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation and equipment. Learn and utilize 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 lab and work environment. Monitor supply inventories and expendables. Periodically attend meetings, trainings, and conferences related to work. Qualifications and Requirements Minimum and Additional Requirements State Minimum 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. Agency 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. 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. 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 laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Must be able to lift 30 lbs. Note: 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 SCDPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate. Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. 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. Additional Topics EEO and Reasonable Accommodation: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. Reasonable Accommodation: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn\'t impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State\'s Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster. Driving Record: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver\'s license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant, being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. Benefits and Work Arrangements: The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Full Time Employees (FTE) positions that includes: 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; SC Deferred Compensation; Retirement plan options (SCRS, State ORP); Hybrid work arrangements may be available after 12 months for approved positions. Additional information about benefits is provided by the agency. Employment Authorization and Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain valid work authorization. This agency does not sponsor employment-based visas. OPT may be allowed for F-1 students with current work authorization. All offers are contingent on identity and eligibility verification. Application and Screening Questions: The application and not an attached resume will be reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications. Supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. By submitting an application, you certify you are legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require employer sponsorship for a work visa now or at any time during employment. Yes No #J-18808-Ljbffr