New Mexico Department of Health
Chemical Threat Analytical Response Chemist
New Mexico Department of Health, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, 87101
Chemical Threat Analytical Response Chemist
Why does the job exist?
This position is responsible for conducting proficiency tests, standard material characterizations, potential event exercises, real-world event responses, and other sample analyses for the Chemical Threat Analytical Response (CTAR) section, supporting the staff manager with supervising personnel, reporting results, maintaining quality control, and developing and validating analytical methods.
How does it get done?
The CTAR Section is federally funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is one of 10 Level 1 laboratories within the Laboratory Response Network for Chemical Threats (LRN‑C). Key responsibilities include performing proficiency tests, method development and validations, standard material characterizations, potential event and event exercise responses, and other analyses for samples sent to the section. The staff performs mass spectrometric analyses of blood, urine, and serum for chemical agents and their metabolites, and screens unknown samples for possible hazardous chemical agents submitted by first responders.
Responsibilities
Perform proficiency tests, standard material characterizations, potential event and real‑world event responses, and other sample analyses.
Develop and validate analytical methods using liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
Maintain quality control and reporting of analytical results.
Supervise laboratory personnel and assist the section manager.
Handle supply requisitioning, inventory management, and instrument maintenance.
Who are the customers?
The Centers for Disease Control, Public Health Emergency Preparedness federal Grant for New Mexico and the State Biomonitoring Programs.
Ideal Candidate
Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a closely related field.
Two to four years of paid experience in chemical experimentation and analysis in a laboratory setting.
Background in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry, including testing blood, urine, and/or serum specimens for chemical analytes or their metabolites using gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Experience in separation science, method development, standard maintenance of laboratory instrumentation, and writing and reviewing standard operating procedures.
Alternative qualifications: any combination of education and experience totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated a safety‑sensitive role and is subject to pre‑employment and random testing, in accordance with federal and state law regarding alcohol and drug testing. Candidates must be capable of obtaining a DOJ/FBI security clearance for access to laboratories holding Select Agents, as defined by 42CFR73, Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins. Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccinations are required, as is the ability to differentiate colors, use sterile techniques, and demonstrate good manual dexterity. Applicants must possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license and a current Defensive Driving Course certificate or the ability to obtain one. HIPAA training is required. Travel within and outside state may be required.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a laboratory with biological, chemical, physical, and radiological hazards. The incumbent must use all applicable safety equipment, follow all safety precautions, and be able to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive trunk, arm, hand, and neck movements, and use high‑voltage electronic instrumentation and high‑pressure gas cylinders. Ability to lift or push up to 50 lb. is required.
Supplemental Information
For information on statutory requirements, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type:
Full‑time
Job function:
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology; Industries: Government Administration
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This position is responsible for conducting proficiency tests, standard material characterizations, potential event exercises, real-world event responses, and other sample analyses for the Chemical Threat Analytical Response (CTAR) section, supporting the staff manager with supervising personnel, reporting results, maintaining quality control, and developing and validating analytical methods.
How does it get done?
The CTAR Section is federally funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is one of 10 Level 1 laboratories within the Laboratory Response Network for Chemical Threats (LRN‑C). Key responsibilities include performing proficiency tests, method development and validations, standard material characterizations, potential event and event exercise responses, and other analyses for samples sent to the section. The staff performs mass spectrometric analyses of blood, urine, and serum for chemical agents and their metabolites, and screens unknown samples for possible hazardous chemical agents submitted by first responders.
Responsibilities
Perform proficiency tests, standard material characterizations, potential event and real‑world event responses, and other sample analyses.
Develop and validate analytical methods using liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
Maintain quality control and reporting of analytical results.
Supervise laboratory personnel and assist the section manager.
Handle supply requisitioning, inventory management, and instrument maintenance.
Who are the customers?
The Centers for Disease Control, Public Health Emergency Preparedness federal Grant for New Mexico and the State Biomonitoring Programs.
Ideal Candidate
Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a closely related field.
Two to four years of paid experience in chemical experimentation and analysis in a laboratory setting.
Background in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry, including testing blood, urine, and/or serum specimens for chemical analytes or their metabolites using gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Experience in separation science, method development, standard maintenance of laboratory instrumentation, and writing and reviewing standard operating procedures.
Alternative qualifications: any combination of education and experience totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated a safety‑sensitive role and is subject to pre‑employment and random testing, in accordance with federal and state law regarding alcohol and drug testing. Candidates must be capable of obtaining a DOJ/FBI security clearance for access to laboratories holding Select Agents, as defined by 42CFR73, Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins. Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccinations are required, as is the ability to differentiate colors, use sterile techniques, and demonstrate good manual dexterity. Applicants must possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license and a current Defensive Driving Course certificate or the ability to obtain one. HIPAA training is required. Travel within and outside state may be required.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a laboratory with biological, chemical, physical, and radiological hazards. The incumbent must use all applicable safety equipment, follow all safety precautions, and be able to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive trunk, arm, hand, and neck movements, and use high‑voltage electronic instrumentation and high‑pressure gas cylinders. Ability to lift or push up to 50 lb. is required.
Supplemental Information
For information on statutory requirements, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type:
Full‑time
Job function:
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology; Industries: Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr