Forensic Analytical Chemist I

Join one of the country's leading Forensic Toxicology Labs, where we approach forensics from every angle!

Work Schedule:  Monday - Friday, 2:00pm - 10:30pm 

Base Pay Rate: $22/hour, with shift differential: $23.76/hour

Department:  Instrumentation & Analysis

This role is responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining our instrumentation, loading extracted batches to maximize efficiency, and analyze the chromatography to determine the concentration of the analyte of interest. We run a mostly LC/MS/MS fleet, but we do have some LC-QToF, GC/MS, and GC-FIDs.

This position earns an hourly wage. In addition to that, we have full medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as competitive 401k (up to 4% match) and PTO programs (15+ days/year).

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D.

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DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory equipment and analytical instruments such as GC/FID, GC/MS, LC-QToF, and LC/MS/MS.
• Responsible for following guidelines, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Performs initial chromatographic analysis and interpretation of data from analytical instrumentation.
• Utilizes LIMS to ensure accurate and complete results.
• Reviews quality control material to ensure data is acceptable and within limits.
• Understands the principles behind solid phase, liquid-liquid, and protein precipitation extraction methods.
• Follows established laboratory and chemical safety procedures.
• Acts and makes decisions independently on routine tasks and situations.
• Communicates, both orally and in writing, across all shifts within and outside of department.
• Other duties or tasks as assigned by supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisor responsibilities. 

SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Time Management– Organizes activities throughout the day to ensure all tasks are completed.
• Decision Making – Recognizes problems and responds, systematically gathers information, sorts through complex issues, seeks input from others, attempts to find root cause of issues, and makes timely and effective decisions.
• Troubleshooting Skills – Systematic search for the source of a problem so that it can be solved.
• Communication Skills – Demonstrates ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional’s journals, technical procedures, & governmental regulations. Demonstrates the ability to write analytical procedures, effectively present information and respond to question from managers.
• Mathematical Skills – Demonstrates ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, and volume, and applies concepts of basic arithmetic and algebra.
• Reasoning Ability – Applies principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Properly interprets nonverbal symbolism such as formulas, scientific equations and graphs.
• Critical Thinking Skills – Ability to process information, situations, and/or data and act effectively.
• Multi-tasking Skills – Ability to perform and monitor multiple tasks over the same period of time.
• Computer Skills – To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Database software,and all Microsoft Office Suite products.
• Professionalism – Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position, accepts responsibility for their own actions, follows through on commitments, ask for help when needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The normal working conditions under which your work is performed

• Contact with biological specimens
• Laboratory
• Requires proper protective equipment(PPE)
• Requires extensive safety training
• Alternative work schedules

PHYSICAL EFFORT

The physical demands of the position

• Intermittently sitting, standing, stooping
• Occasionally lifting 50 pounds or less

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a life science from an accredited university. One (1) year of applicable laboratory experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

None Required