Laboratory Scientist - Clinical Organic Unit

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Title: Laboratory Scientist - Clinical Organic Unit

$24.30- $44.52 /Posted Thru: 12-31-24

Location: Lansing, Michigan - State of Michigan Laboratory

Purpose: The function of the laboratory Scientist for the clinical organic unit is to provide laboratory analytical support for the Clinical Chemistry Section. The Clinical Chemistry Section provides analysis of human specimens and biological samples of epidemiological importance for persistent and non-persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, other environmental contaminants, and metabolites of chemical warfare agents. The incumbent carries out a full range of professional laboratory scientist assignments involving the analysis of human specimens, environmental and biological samples involving gas chromatography mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and other laboratory methodologies, including the review of data and reporting of results. Aide in the implementation of method development and is responsible for following validation plans, validation summary reports, and reviewing written laboratory procedures, practices, and policies.

Duty 1 - 60% of time

• Perform analysis of human specimens and various biological matrices for trace quantities of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), controlled substances, and other organic chemicals and environmental contaminants to support biomonitoring and surveillance projects, and public health emergency preparedness activities. The analysis includes sample preparation, quantitative instrumental analysis, assuring accurate data is obtained, and reported in a timely manner. This duty is performed according to established procedures, practices, and policies of the section.
• Sample preparation for GC or LC systems (coupled with: MS, MS/MS, QTOF, or HRMS) analysis including extraction, cleanup, and column chromatography.
• Preparation and aliquoting of analytical standards from stock solutions, reagents, and QC samples.
• Provide in-depth knowledge of various instrument data analysis software, including data acquisition, processing, and report generation
• Monitoring and replacement of condensing and instrument gases.
• Prepare detailed written reports of laboratory data and results, archiving of laboratory data, and reporting of laboratory results.
• Maintain accurate and detailed up-to-date records of all work performed.
• Review specimen results for accuracy and ensure all QC requirements are met prior to submission of results.
• Assure proper disposal of biological and chemical waste generated during the performance of this duty.
• Follow all laboratory procedures and practices pertaining the universal precautions, laboratory safety, laboratory infection control, laboratory chemical hygiene and the handling of hazardous materials.

Duty 2 - 15% of time

• Support development of new laboratory procedures and maintain existing methods.
• Work with other scientists to implement method validation studies.
• Annually review and update existing laboratory procedures and analytical methods for the section as assigned.
• Work with other laboratory scientists in the section to perform methods evaluation and modification of current laboratory methods as needed. This duty is performed according to established procedures, practices, and policies.

• Review the scientific literature, technical bulletins and government documents for information related to current and future laboratory procedures and analytical methods developmental activities.
• Assist in the organization, planning, and performance of laboratory studies required for methods development, evaluation, and validation.
• Prepare laboratory reports documenting methods development, methods evaluation, and methods validation activities.
• Participate in the review of methods development, evaluation, and validation studies.
• Maintain detailed records of all methods development, evaluation, and validation studies.
• Prepare detailed written laboratory procedures according to established guidelines.
• Assure proper disposal of biological and chemical waste materials generated during the performance of assigned laboratory work.
• Follow all laboratory procedures and practices pertaining to universal precautions, laboratory safety, laboratory infection control, laboratory chemical hygiene and the handling of hazardous materials.

Duty 3 - 10% of time

• Troubleshoot analytical instrument performance issues.
• Maintain proper instrument performance through preventative maintenance tasks.

• Monitor equipment for proper function and maintain records of instrument maintenance.
• Troubleshoot instrument performance issues and assist other scientists with instrument problems
• Perform preventative maintenance on analytical instrumentation including source/detector maintenance, column/inlet maintenance, vacuum systems upkeep, and general lab cleanliness
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and up-to-date records of all work performed.
• Monitor analytical instrumentation and equipment for satisfactory performance following the section's QC requirements
• Ensure adequate inventory of consumable supplies, reagents, and instrument gases to support continued operation of analytical instrumentation
• Follow all laboratory procedures and practices pertaining to universal precautions, laboratory safety, laboratory infection control, laboratory chemical hygiene and the handling of hazardous materials.

Duty 4 - 10% of time

• Perform work on special projects within the section and division as required by the workload of the Unit.

• Review of the scientific literature for technical information.
• Perform laboratory studies as directed by supervisor or project leads.
• Prepare reports documenting laboratory findings.
• Review and critique scientific documents for the section including poster presentations, scientific publications, and grant related documents.
• Maintain detailed records of all work performed.
• Follow all laboratory procedures and practices pertaining to universal precautions, laboratory safety, laboratory infection control, laboratory chemical hygiene and the handling of hazardous materials.

Duty 5 - 5% of time

• This position will function as a member of the Michigan Bioterrorism and Chemical Terrorism Public Health response teams as needed.

• Conduct activities to prepare health care professionals and other partners for possible bioterrorism or chemical terrorism incident of event.
• Assist in the coordination of pre-event or post-event smallpox vaccination program.
• Respond, as necessary, to a possible bioterrorism or chemical terror ism incident or event, to provide stat assistance to health care professionals in investigation and control efforts.
• Understand that possible occupational exposure to smallpox virus or other bio-terror agents could occur.
• Always represent the best interests of MDHHS and MPHI.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, forensic science, or a related pure or applied science.

Experience: 0-3 years professional experience carrying out a variety of tests, analyses, or production and research activities involving chemical, biochemical and biological samples, specimens, and products.

Important Skills and Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the principles and practice of general qualitative, quantitative, organic and inorganic chemistry.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures.
• Knowledge of laboratory tests and control techniques.
  • Knowledge of statistical techniques used in the treatment of scientific data.
  • Knowledge of the fundamentals of analytical instrumentation.
  • Skilled in the use and care of common laboratory equipment, personal protective equipment, and analytical instrumentation.
  • Ability to use statistical techniques in the treatment of laboratory data.
  • Ability to perform routine laboratory and quality control procedures.
  • Ability to maintain detailed records and prepares technical reports.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and maintain favorable relations with both peers and the public.
  • Ability to plan and conduct research projects.
  • Ability to carry out laboratory procedures, tests and analyses required in the work and to interpret results obtained.
  • Ability to set up, use and maintain laboratory equipment.
  • Ability to function as an effective team member.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: Any person working with specimens of human origin from unknown patients is at increased risk of acquiring communicable diseases by bacterial, viral or other infections and is required to use careful aseptic techniques and proper precautions while working. Laboratory work involves daily contact with biological samples and hazardous chemicals. Accurate and precise laboratory and safety procedures, including universal precautions, must be followed at all times.

Physical Activities: Standing, lifting heavy objects 20-40lbs, carrying, bending, squatting, walking, and using a computer.

Conditions/Hazards: Dust, odor, fumes, chemicals, noise, sharp objects, high electrical voltage, low and high temperatures.

IMPACT ON PROJECTS, SERVICES AND OPERATIONS: This position has a direct impact on the quality of services provided by MPHI to MDHHS.

"For purposes of employment standards, this classification is "Non-Exempt" from overtime provisions of the fair Labor Standards Act."

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