Chemist/Microbiologist II

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is looking for a Chemist/Microbiologist II to work in the Utah Public Health Lab (UPHL), Chemical Threat Response Laboratory. You will be part of the team working on various grant-funded laboratory projects related to biosurveillance of non-fatal overdoses, biomonitoring of environmental toxins, and accidental or intentional chemical exposure events as part of the CDC Laboratory Response Network (LRN). You will utilize standard analytical methods approved by the CDC or other regulatory authorities to prepare and analyze clinical samples, and report results to the funding organization. If you love laboratory work and value your community, join our Chemical Threat Response team and apply today! 

Notes:

• Continued employment may be contingent upon the successful completion of a fingerprinting background check.  Please click here for the most current policy information.
• Compliance with DHHS Immunization policy is required. Please click here for the most current policy information.
• Must meet current CLIA qualification requirements. Please click here (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-G/part-493#493.1423) for the CLIA qualification requirements.
• A teleworking option is not available for this position.

Responsibilities: 

• Assist in method development and validating analytical methodologies for testing clinical samples for various analytes using HPLC-MS/MS, LC-ICP-MS/MS, GC-MS and other analytical instrumentation.
• Participate in the Overdose Data to Action bio surveillance, 4-Corners Biomonitoring, and/or PHEP grants and contribute data to the grant deliverables.
• Participate in the testing and validating of reagent and standard materials, and the required performance testing (PT) events.
• Routinely test clinical samples and assist in delivering de-identified data to state epidemiologists.
• Maintain and troubleshoot scientific instrumentation as needed.
• Participate in clinical sample packaging and shipping as needed.
• Assist in reviewing and preparing reports, updating grant deliverable milestones, and assist the respective supervisor(s) and the manager(s).
• Comply and participate in the guidance, regulations, policies, and activities issued by the CDC-LRNC, CLIA, and Utah DHHS.
• Prepare for and conduct outreach to participating partners as part of the grant activities.
• Maintain appropriate inventory of required supplies.
• Actively participate in all meetings, webinars, and training related to chemical threat response, biomonitoring, and other grant activities.
• Perform other assigned tasks as deemed necessary. 

Required Experience:

• Bachelors degree OR 4 years Laboratory testing experience comparable to the requirements of the CLIA guidelines for testing personnel
• At least 2 years of hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting HPLC-MS/MS and/or ICP-MS and/or GC-MS used for analyzing clinical samples for chemical contaminants.
• Has experience working under a grant. 
• Has knowledge and working experience in bio surveillance or biomonitoring.
• Has the ability to effectively handle multiple tasks simultaneously while ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in your work.
• Has a proven history of working collaboratively and harmoniously in a team setting, with the ability to remain calm under pressure or potentially chaotic scenarios. 
• Is a strong communicator capable and willing to communicate in English (listening, speaking, writing, and reading).
• Experience with various sample preparation techniques (e.g., solid phase extraction and microextraction, filtration, centrifugation). 
• Familiar with CLIA (or other regulatory agency) regulations and requirements.
• Experience using word processing and spreadsheet software for communication, procedural writing, reports, and data processing.

Preference may be given to applicants that:

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science
• Current employee of the State of Utah

Schedule:
 

• Standard Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Very occasional weekend and holiday work may be required.
• NOTE:  A Hybrid work schedule is not an option for this position.

The Agency

The Utah Public Health Laboratory (UPHL) manages laboratory testing through the entire state of Utah. This includes testing and monitoring infectious diseases, managing newborn screenings for chronic diseases, testing and monitoring environmental diseases, managing drug and alcohol blood tests, and managing clinical and environmental laboratory certification programs. UPHL strives to serve its customers and stakeholders with accurate data as quickly as possible. For more information, click HERE

• Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working around operating machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc. 
• This job requires physical exertion. You may be required to stand for long periods of time or to walk over rough surfaces. In addition, you may be required to bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, or lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner or for long periods of time.
  

Salary : $28 - $35