Chemist Iv Jobs

Works in the Organic Chemistry Branch as the Team Leader of the Semivolatiles Team which includes responsibility for the quality and quantity of sample analysis, reviewing analytical data and reporting results and coordination of analytical and sample prep personnel. Works under minimal supervision of the Group Manager with considerable latitude for independent judgment to effectively lead team operations. Provides training in the preparation, extraction, and moderately complex analysis of samples for gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using approved methods for the sample matrix. Ensures quality control (QC) measures required by the method and the standard operating procedure (SOP) are performed and documented accurately. Consults with team members on complex chromatograms and spectral interpretation to determine the appropriate procedure for quantitation. Provides training on highly complex maintenance on equipment and required cleaning procedures for glassware. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Maintains supplies, follows inventory procedures, properly disposes of wastes, and other duties as assigned. Manages sample load and tracks samples to meet required holding times. Understands and applies the job’s principles, basic functions, and/or necessary technical skills. Performs method development and validation projects. Serves as Team Lead to track samples, review data, and report results. Provides feedback to the Branch Manager on team member performance. Meets all HHSC Performance Criteria. Follows all HHSC and DSHS Policies and Procedures.

Essential Job Functions:
EJF 1. Team Lead / Secondary Data Review: Plan the work activities of the team to provide quality services utilizing effective skills/tools (e.g., communication, project management, workload tracking/monitoring, staff development, etc.) on a daily basis. Use organizational and planning skills to provide the necessary resources for the team. Initiates proactive approach to identifying needs and solving problems. Develops plans while considering all relevant factors, including work group, clients & program goals. Performs second level review and approval of results before expiration of holding times or assigned deadline. Informs branch manager of deviations, concerns and issues when they are observed. Brings critical issues to the branch manager’s attention immediately. Assists the Branch Manager in interview and coaching sessions, serving as a witness while maintaining confidentiality. Participates in identifying training needs. Provides confidential verbal and documented feedback to the branch manager of all team members’ performance and development. Consults with customers about data requests and reports data in a timely manner. (30%)
EJF 2. Instrument Validation / Method Implementation: Optimize instruments and methods to meet criteria. Performs equipment installation, operational, and performance qualification procedures. Implement new methods as assigned. Performs procedures for method validation and performance verification. Integrates scientific and technical advances into laboratory operations. Perform a Demonstration of Capability. Prepare or revise the procedure for the method that is consistent with the requirements of the DSHS Laboratory. Determine the MDL or LOD. Confirm the Limit of Quantitation (LOQ). Evaluate precision and bias. Evaluate selectivity of the method. Compiles results of method validation and performance verification. (20%)
EJF3. Chemistry/QC: Oversees preparation and analysis of samples for organic compounds by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Trains team to check samples for proper preservative and container, prepare reagents and standards, monitor expiration dates. Trains team to perform sample preparation techniques including liquid/liquid, solid phase extraction, sonication, shakers, chemical reactions and derivatization to meet Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Manual requirements. Oversees preparation and/or analysis of quality control samples according to the SOP, including instrument calibrations and verification of standards with reference material and preparation of dilutions to meet the analytical range of the calibration curve. Develops data acquisition parameters for identification of target compounds. Trains team to identify target compounds and interpret highly complex chromatograms and/or spectra. Determines appropriate procedure for quantitation. Monitors Quality Control Parameters as required by the method. Responds immediately to QC failures and effectively troubleshoots issues as they occur. Notifies branch manager immediately of any critical issues. Acts as the backup for any of the analytical methods performed by the team when needed. Maintains skill in the operation any of the instrumentation used by the team. (20%)
EJF 4. Sample Management & Productivity: Coordinates sample tracking. Schedules preparation and analysis of samples to meet EPA holding time (no exceptions). Works with team to meet or exceed the on-time delivery goals by test and client and at a productive rate. The productive rate is determined by historical productivity and work time unit evaluation. Extraction and/or analysis must be performed with acceptable QA/QC and SOP practices. (5%)
EJF 5. Quality Assurance / Document Control / Records Management: Ensures team reads and follows all policies, procedures and guidelines of the Quality Manual, USEPA Drinking Water Certification Manual, The NELAC Institute (TNI), reference methods, and administrative, analytical and quality assurance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Maintains teams SOPs. Requests approval of branch manager/technical manager in advance for SOP deviations. Responds immediately to QA/QC problems and effectively troubleshoots issues as they occur. Inform branch manager/technical manager of issues which would cause a test to shut down or which would limit capacity. Ensures team participates in training. Ensures team members perform Initial Demonstration of Capability before working independently on samples. Ensures team members maintain proficiency for assigned methods by performing Continuing Demonstration of Capability, Method Detection Limit and Proficiency Testing samples. Responds to any internal or external audit findings as responsible or assigned. Provides analytical and quality assurance support to the team. Implements new analytical methods or techniques to meet the changes in regulations and customer needs. Maintains complete, timely and accurate records of all procedures performed. (5%)
EJF 6. Equipment (including glassware) and Supplies: Oversees operation, maintenance and verification of equipment as specified in SOPs and equipment manuals. Responds immediately to equipment and instrument problems and effectively troubleshoots issues as they occur. Provides training on troubleshooting of highly complex problems using policies and procedures, equipment manuals, knowledge and experience. Oversees maintenance of reagents and supplies by following laboratory procedures for inventory control. Enters requisitions for supplies and standards 120 days in advance of need. Responsible for writing specifications for supplies and recommending equipment purchases for the team. Informs the Branch Manager of any critical equipment or inventory problems. Coordinates supply receipt and verifies that the supplies meet procedure specifications. Maintains complete, timely and accurate records of maintenance and inventory. (5%)
EJF 7. Health and Safety / Housekeeping: Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Minimize exposure of all personal to chemical hazards by proper use of personal protective equipment, management practices, use of fume hoods and proper safety practices in the laboratory. Read and follow the Chemical Hygiene Plan and SOPs. Properly label all chemicals. Follow safety data sheet (SDS) recommendations. Wears safety glasses and lab coats at all times in designated areas. Properly identifies, labels, records and disposes of wastes and samples. Keeps work area clean and organized to reduce contamination. Attend all required safety training. Communicate with others immediately any safety problems that arise. (5%)
EJF 8. Administrative: Notifies Branch Manager of all absences. Enters leave into CAPPS. Performs required training. Performs other duties as directed by the Branch Manager. Schedules extraction and analysis of quality control samples for method development and validation projects. Offers suggestions and new ideas for improving performance and operations. Trains others. (5%)
EJF 9. COOP: Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or Food and Drug (F&D) methods for testing environmental samples and skill in performance of the methods. Knowledge of the principles and design of GC/MS & HPLC systems. Knowledge of Instrument Validation / Method Implementation procedures and required documentation. Knowledge of data acquisition systems and skill in their use for preparing calibration curves for quantitation of samples, evaluation of QC parameters and producing reports. Knowledge of lab quality control and quality assurance systems. Skill in operation and maintenance of GC/MS & HPLC systems for the analysis of various sample matrices. Skill in the interpretation of complex chromatograms & spectra, and evaluation of quality control data to produce valid results. Skill in the organization of the work load to meet the required holding times for analysis of samples. Ability to set up computer spreadsheets to evaluate the recovery data and apply statistical means to set quality control limits. Ability to oversee analyses and implement quality control procedures. Ability to design and evaluate performance of analytical test systems. Ability to work closely with all personnel to complete assigned tasks.

Initial Selection Criteria:
Have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, physical sciences or biological sciences from an accredited institution with a strong concentration in chemistry. Experience in performing gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Experience in performing analytical methods or experience in performing EPA organic drinking water methods. Prefer experience in a regulatory environment. Experience in data processing and reporting of analytical data or experience working in a production laboratory environment.

Additional Information:
Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. must contact Laboratory Personnel Services (512-458-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies. Providing verification of educational requirements is a condition of employment.

MOS Code:
92L, 71B, 72D, 8831, 4B0X, 61CX