Chemist – (2300034J)

Overview

The Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS) is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill the role of Chemist. The selected candidate will perform highly complex chemistry tests on samples of clinical human and environmental origin to identify and quantify chemical contaminants or toxic elements that may be present. The incumbent will perform work under direct supervision within a framework of defined standard operating procedures, policies, and regulatory laboratory standards.

Please note: Position requires periodic surge capacity responses involving sustained laboratory effort which may involve temporary change of work hours or extended work hours. May involve periods of 24/7 response.

This position is required to report to the office five days per week.

Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and are not all inclusive):

• Prepares, performs experiments, processes and records biological, environmental and food samples by various chemical techniques, including but not limited to: automated extraction, liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, and other related techniques.
• Analyzes various types of samples using one or more of the following analytical platforms: GC/MS, LC/MS, Raman spectroscopy, infra-red spectroscopy, Graphite Furnaces, and ICP/MS. Prepares reagents and analytical standards.
• Uses Laboratory Information Management system for sample log-in, tracking, data management and reporting.
• Performs specified quality control activities and monitors appropriate measures to ensure quality of the analysis and data.
• Assists with the development of laboratory emergency response plans and training materials for medical professionals, local health and first responders.
• Serves as point of entry for all specimens submitted to the laboratory, maintain laboratory chain of custody and monitor specimen tracking.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the principles, theories, methods, and practices of general chemistry, analytical chemistry, and/or biochemistry.
• Experience in the assessment of chemicals in samples during specimen collection, preservation, packaging and shipping, material transport, accessioning, receipt, testing, storage, handling, and chain of custody.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely with chemicals, clinical samples, and other mixed chemical/biological hazards and/or chemical free agents in the laboratory including chemical threat agents.
• Proven experience of the quality assurance practices (e.g., equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, performance verification, staff competency, following standard operating procedures) specific to trace metal and/or chemical test methods in a diagnostic setting.
• Capability to perform chemical calculations, measurements and unit conversion calculations.
• Knowledge of the principles and policies governing professional ethics and rules of conduct.
• Strong, effective verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to prepare concise technical reports.
• Understanding of laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to certification and accreditation requirements to meet regulatory requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• State/government or industrial experiences in sample prep, method development and application of chromatography and mass spectrometry in analysis of various environmental and biological samples including human specimen samples.
• Knowledge of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).

Working Conditions:

• Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents or chemicals.
• Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.

As part of the pre-hire process, you will be required to submit transcript(s) for review for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) verification process.

If selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to submit an official transcript from each accredited academic institution to verify the above.

Please note that we will be unable to move forward with your application for this position if you do not meet CLIA qualifications.

About the Department of Public Health

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.

We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

More information can be found at: MA Department of Public Health.

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the   Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #2

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have (A) at least two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in chemistry, organic chemistry or biochemistry or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Based on assignment, applicants must meet related Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) requirements for High Complexity Testing.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.

Substitutions: 

I. An Associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology or chemistry and at least one (1) year experience may be substituted for the required experience.

II. A Bachelor’s or higher degree with a major in chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, or a related scientific field, may be substituted for the required experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Chemist I
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-305 South Street
Job: Science
Agency: Department of Public Health
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Mar 7, 2023, 9:50:16 AM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 59,650.50 – 86,840.26 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Sandra Semedo Sandra.C.Semedo@mass.gov – 6173524250
Bargaining Unit: 09-MOSES – Engineers/Scientists
Confidential: No
Hybrid Work Eligible: No