Texas Department of State Health Services
Position Details
Functional Title:
Chemist IV
Job Title:
Chemist IV
Agency:
Dept of State Health Services
Department:
Emergency Preparedness
Posting Number:
11127
Closing Date:
03/30/2026
Posting Audience:
Internal and External
Occupational Category:
Life, Physical, and Social Science
Salary Group:
TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range:
$5,874.80 - $6,764.00
Pay Frequency:
Monthly
Shift:
Day
Telework:
Not Eligible for Telework
Travel:
Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Nonexempt
Job Location City:
AUSTIN
Job Location Address:
1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL)
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
Brief Job Description Serves as a Chemist for the Chemical Threat Laboratory in support of Cooperative Agreement for Public Health Emergency Preparedness (CDC PHEP) required grant activities. Under the supervision of the Emergency Prep. Branch Manager and the Chemical Threat Team Lead, participates in activities to ensure the Chemical Threat Team is prepared to analyze clinical specimens using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatograph tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS), or biotechnology laboratory automation (BLA) within 24 hours of notification of a suspected or actual chemical terrorism incident. Provides training in Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Protocols for Chemical Threat testing leveraging ICP-MS, GC-MS, BLA, and LC-MSMS technology. Maintains quality control and preventive maintenance documentation. Implements new LRN methods and procedures as they become available ensuring adherence to protocols. Cross trains in other LRN test procedures and serves as a surge capacity analyst for all team procedures. Assists with preparation and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Chemical Threat Laboratory. Provides training to Level 3 laboratories in Chemical Threat specimen collection, packaging, and shipping protocols. Interacts with the Biological LRN laboratories ensuring response capacity to a chemical threat event. Assists with activities supporting CDC PHEP grant deliverables. Characterizes/identifies unknown compounds (“white powders”) using wet chemistry or laboratory equipment for law enforcement agencies. Performs tasks with minimal supervision and extensive latitude for using initiative and independent judgment. Supports laboratory-wide safety culture as liaison to Safety Office.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
EJF 1: Ensure the Chemical Threat Team is prepared to analyze clinical specimens within 24 hours after notification of a suspected or actual chemical terrorism event. Prioritize specimens, maintain chain of custody, evaluate data, and troubleshoot instrument issues.
EJF 2: Apply quality assurance and quality control principles required for clinical specimen analysis. Investigate and document corrective actions, review QC data, and verify proficiency sample results.
EJF 3: Prepare and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for team activities. Train team members on instrument operation, specimen tracking, quality control, data interpretation, and results reporting.
EJF 4: Operate and troubleshoot instrumentation. Verify calibration and performance, document maintenance, and monitor instrument performance logs.
EJF 5: Design and implement automation protocols with biotechnology laboratory automation equipment. Program and integrate automated handlers.
EJF 6: Evaluate technical requirements for new analytical and automated workflow methods. Research new procedures, document developmental procedures, and validate methods.
EJF 7: Perform other duties supporting the EP branch, including participation in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation.
EJF 8: Assist with analyses in additional groups and support DSHS/Chemical Threat Laboratory Safety Program activities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Operate ICP-MS, GC-MS, liquid handlers, and LC-MSMS instruments.
Program and operate liquid handlers.
Handle clinical urine, serum, and blood samples.
Apply chemical and biological safety and disposal protocols.
Develop clinical analytical procedures.
Recognize chemicals used as terrorism agents.
Follow shipping and packaging regulations for biological materials.
Conduct laboratory training and communication.
Apply QA and QC principles as required by CLIA/CAP.
Follow complex SOPs.
Work on-call and 24/7 when required.
Use Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
Communicate effectively orally and written.
Work as a team under time constraints and high-pressured emergency situations.
Initial Screening Criteria
Experience operating ICP, GC, or LC instruments.
Education: BS/BA, Masters, or Doctorate in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution.
Additional Information Safe operation of state-owned or personal vehicle required. Applicants must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent licensed in another state.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans Military occupations that relate to the selection criteria may include those listed. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified.
ADA Accommodations DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. Please notify the contact person about needed accommodations.
Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility
The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines.
Applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
DSHS uses E-Verify. Bring I-9 documents on the first day of work.
Nearest Major Market Austin
Seniority Level
Mid-Senior level
Employment Type
Full-time
Job Function
Research
Analyst
Information Technology
Industries
Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Chemist IV
Job Title:
Chemist IV
Agency:
Dept of State Health Services
Department:
Emergency Preparedness
Posting Number:
11127
Closing Date:
03/30/2026
Posting Audience:
Internal and External
Occupational Category:
Life, Physical, and Social Science
Salary Group:
TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range:
$5,874.80 - $6,764.00
Pay Frequency:
Monthly
Shift:
Day
Telework:
Not Eligible for Telework
Travel:
Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Nonexempt
Job Location City:
AUSTIN
Job Location Address:
1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL)
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
Brief Job Description Serves as a Chemist for the Chemical Threat Laboratory in support of Cooperative Agreement for Public Health Emergency Preparedness (CDC PHEP) required grant activities. Under the supervision of the Emergency Prep. Branch Manager and the Chemical Threat Team Lead, participates in activities to ensure the Chemical Threat Team is prepared to analyze clinical specimens using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatograph tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS), or biotechnology laboratory automation (BLA) within 24 hours of notification of a suspected or actual chemical terrorism incident. Provides training in Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Protocols for Chemical Threat testing leveraging ICP-MS, GC-MS, BLA, and LC-MSMS technology. Maintains quality control and preventive maintenance documentation. Implements new LRN methods and procedures as they become available ensuring adherence to protocols. Cross trains in other LRN test procedures and serves as a surge capacity analyst for all team procedures. Assists with preparation and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Chemical Threat Laboratory. Provides training to Level 3 laboratories in Chemical Threat specimen collection, packaging, and shipping protocols. Interacts with the Biological LRN laboratories ensuring response capacity to a chemical threat event. Assists with activities supporting CDC PHEP grant deliverables. Characterizes/identifies unknown compounds (“white powders”) using wet chemistry or laboratory equipment for law enforcement agencies. Performs tasks with minimal supervision and extensive latitude for using initiative and independent judgment. Supports laboratory-wide safety culture as liaison to Safety Office.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
EJF 1: Ensure the Chemical Threat Team is prepared to analyze clinical specimens within 24 hours after notification of a suspected or actual chemical terrorism event. Prioritize specimens, maintain chain of custody, evaluate data, and troubleshoot instrument issues.
EJF 2: Apply quality assurance and quality control principles required for clinical specimen analysis. Investigate and document corrective actions, review QC data, and verify proficiency sample results.
EJF 3: Prepare and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for team activities. Train team members on instrument operation, specimen tracking, quality control, data interpretation, and results reporting.
EJF 4: Operate and troubleshoot instrumentation. Verify calibration and performance, document maintenance, and monitor instrument performance logs.
EJF 5: Design and implement automation protocols with biotechnology laboratory automation equipment. Program and integrate automated handlers.
EJF 6: Evaluate technical requirements for new analytical and automated workflow methods. Research new procedures, document developmental procedures, and validate methods.
EJF 7: Perform other duties supporting the EP branch, including participation in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation.
EJF 8: Assist with analyses in additional groups and support DSHS/Chemical Threat Laboratory Safety Program activities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Operate ICP-MS, GC-MS, liquid handlers, and LC-MSMS instruments.
Program and operate liquid handlers.
Handle clinical urine, serum, and blood samples.
Apply chemical and biological safety and disposal protocols.
Develop clinical analytical procedures.
Recognize chemicals used as terrorism agents.
Follow shipping and packaging regulations for biological materials.
Conduct laboratory training and communication.
Apply QA and QC principles as required by CLIA/CAP.
Follow complex SOPs.
Work on-call and 24/7 when required.
Use Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
Communicate effectively orally and written.
Work as a team under time constraints and high-pressured emergency situations.
Initial Screening Criteria
Experience operating ICP, GC, or LC instruments.
Education: BS/BA, Masters, or Doctorate in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution.
Additional Information Safe operation of state-owned or personal vehicle required. Applicants must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent licensed in another state.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans Military occupations that relate to the selection criteria may include those listed. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified.
ADA Accommodations DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. Please notify the contact person about needed accommodations.
Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility
The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines.
Applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
DSHS uses E-Verify. Bring I-9 documents on the first day of work.
Nearest Major Market Austin
Seniority Level
Mid-Senior level
Employment Type
Full-time
Job Function
Research
Analyst
Information Technology
Industries
Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr