Associate Chemist

Position Title Associate Chemist Level I – Division of Disease Control, Environmental Laboratory Division and Program Overview The Division of Disease Control safeguards the health of New Yorkers through identification, surveillance, treatment, control, and prevention of infectious diseases. The NYC Public Health Laboratory (PHL) is one of the largest local public health laboratories in the United States, providing clinical and environmental laboratory testing services to support the priorities of DOHMH and its community partners. Position Summary This role plays an integral part in laboratory testing and responding to public health threats, including COVID-19, vaccine‑preventable diseases, HIV, Legionella, and respiratory, foodborne, and waterborne disease outbreaks. Job Duties and Responsibilities Perform laboratory testing and procedures on clinical and environmental specimens submitted to the PHL. Analyze, coordinate, and manage daily laboratory operations and during outbreak events. Plan and prepare laboratory services in relation to regulatory standards and organization policies. Prioritize and schedule work to optimize operational service. Ensure all regulatory and safety standards are followed and serve as a resource for accreditation compliance. Review laboratory purchase of inventory, storage, and supplies usage. Assist the Unit Chief and/or Director with laboratory activities and operations. Participate in cross‑training program within PHL to assist with routine and surge events. Help establish or modify technical and non‑technical procedures as needed. Maintain records and perform tasks related to laboratory testing. Maintain a program of quality control, participate in a program of quality assurance, and take corrective action when needed. Benefits Premium‑free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually (2024 assessment). Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits that may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund. Public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement. Tax‑deferred savings program. Robust Worksite Wellness Program offering resources and opportunities to stay healthy while serving New Yorkers. Work From Home Policy: Depending on the position, you may work up to two days during the week from home. Job security compared to private sector employment. Preferred Skills and Experience Experience in chemical or environmental testing such as HPLC, GC, FAAS, IC, titration, MS and other relevant methods. Familiarity with NYS ELAP or equivalent regulations and EPA or equivalent water quality MCLs chemistry testing protocols from EPA, Standard Methods or equivalent. Experience in a clinical or environmental diagnostic testing laboratory. Minimum Qualifications Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 16 semester credits in chemistry and 8 semester credits in one of the following areas: chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, environmental science, forensic science, or other natural science. Valid License as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist issued by the New York State Education Department; must be maintained for the duration of employment. Additional Qualification Requirements for Assignment Level II and Above At least two years of full‑time satisfactory experience performing chemical or physical analyses in a laboratory after meeting the minimum requirements for Assignment Level I. Education may be substituted for experience: 30 graduate semester credits from an accredited college in any of the areas of study described above can equal one year of experience. Program and Eligibility 55a Program – This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55‑a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55‑a Program. Public Service Loan Forgiveness – As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. Residency Requirement – New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. Certain titles may be eligible to reside in specific counties after 2 continuous years of city employment; discuss with an agency representative at interview. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of New York is an inclusive equal‑opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. #J-18808-Ljbffr