Chemist I

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Employment Type:

Job Profile:

Job Summary:

The Chemical Emergency Response (CER) Laboratory performs clinical testing for human exposure to chemical threats biomonitoring and emerging contaminates of interest to public health. This is a chemist position within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) performing duties under the general supervision of the CER Clinical Metals Supervisor.

This position is primarily focused on trace element determinations including analysis quality assurance and accreditation activities using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICPMS) and ICPMS coupled with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Routine testing is performed for lead exposure using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption (GFAA) spectroscopy. Equipment Loan Program (ELP) administration and support for the proficiency testing (PT) and reference material production are also central responsibilities. Additional analytical testing on other high complexity instrument platforms is performed.
This role will also compile data complete statistical evaluations and peer review of data sets including evaluation of PT participant data and reports. Interact with clients and stakeholders to answer program related questions and maintain expertise in packaging & shipping materials.

This position will also have analytical responsibility for the determination of chemical threat agents and their metabolites chemical unknowns and other environmental hazards using high complexity test systems in support of the public health emergency preparedness and response mission. Additional analytical support for the CER Biomonitoring Program may also be performed.

This position will perform specimen receiving and shipping requisition entry data entry tasks and purchasing tasks. Analytical operation method development method optimization training and collaboration with internal and external partners are also central responsibilities. This position will have the opportunity to work with other state and federal agencies including participation at professional conferences.

A specific list of tasks for this role would include the following: production and distribution of materials for the Materials Program and support of the Equipment Loan Program including facilitation of equipment and instrumentation loans and routine program maintenance. Data entry specimen entry and duplicate entry within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) will also be required. Sample packing shipping and receiving tasks will be required. Evaluation of clinical samples for exposure to threats related to emergency response and environmental monitoring using test systems such as Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LCMSMS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) are a key part of this role. Evaluation of clinical metals samples for lead via Graphite Furnace will be a routine task. This role will be required to troubleshoot instrumentation as qualified. Support of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation by preparing for and participating in inspections will also be required. This role will include writing reviewing and revising department standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Instrument Operating Procedures (IOPs). Other routine activities will include ordering and purchasing materials consumables and services related to instrumentation for various CER programs. Completion of routine logbook maintenance and function checks (e.g. temperature humidity and oxygen monitors) will also be required.

Additional Information:
-This position regularly requires the individual to work with blood urine and other clinical sample matrices.
-This position requires occasional work on weekends and shifts involving overnight hours.
-Regular work hours for this position are typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
-Possession of a valid drivers license and driving record that meets University of Wisconsin Risk Management guidelines is desired.
-Knowledge of laboratory safety and good laboratory practice is desired.
-This position requires effective oral and written communication skills strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as a team member.
-The CER laboratory is certified through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
-As defined by the Americans with Disabilities act the employee must be able to perform the essential job functions as outlined in the standard job description with or without reasonable accommodation.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Prepares reviews verifies and reports test result data - 10%

• Utilizes maintains and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and information management systems to meet unit objectives in alignment with strategic initiatives - 5%

• Participates in educational and outreach activities for various individuals and groups - 5%

• Prepares develops and conducts chemical research experiments analysis of specimens employing quality control and quality assurance practices - 50%

• Prepares evaluates packages and ships Materials Program and Equipment Loan Program materials - 15%

• Utilizes assigned analytical methods-based quality requirements to verify test result validity and/or meet regulatory compliance - 10%

• Supports and participates in emergency response events and preparedness activities including working alternative shifts - 5%

Department:

WSLH - Environmental Health Division - Chemical Emergency Response

Compensation:

$49000/year minimum (Depending on qualifications)

Required Qualifications:

-0-2 years of laboratory experience.
-Knowledge of one or more of the following test systems: ICPMS GCMS LCMSMS or GFAA is required.

-Candidate must meet 42 CFR 493.1489 Standard; Testing Personnel qualifications High Complexity Testing.

Preferred Qualifications:

-Experience with one or more of the following test systems: ICPMS GCMS GCTQ LCMSMS or GFAA. Note it is not an expectation for a candidate to have experience on all of the listed test systems. Training will be provided upon hire.
-Experience working in an accredited laboratory environment employing QA/QC practices.
-Experience performing statistical evaluation of data sets.
-Experience working with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
-Experience working with biohazards or clinical specimens.

Education:

Bachelors Degree in a chemical biological clinical or medical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution.

An official (or copy of an official) transcript showing conferred degree will be required as a condition of employment.

For degrees earned outside of the United States proof of qualification equivalency is required and must be performed by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Association Credential Evaluation Services Inc. (NACES) () or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. ().

The candidate is responsible for all expenses related to acquiring and providing proof of qualifications.

How to Apply:

To begin the application process please click on the Apply Now button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV AND cover letter briefly describing your qualifications relevant to the position.

WSLH does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment for this position. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

The selected applicant will be required to pass a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment.

Contact Information:

Please reach out to Dan Makovec at with any questions.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength creativity and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity culture background experience status abilities and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching research outreach and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students faculty and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to including but not limited to race color religion sex sexual orientation national origin age pregnancy disability or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g. application interview pre-employment testing etc.) please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct including sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

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