Public Health Laboratory Scientist II

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3/14/2024 (7:00 PM EST)

24-01454

Public Health Laboratory Scientist II

Salary

$56,394.00 Annually

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

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Hiring Agency

Cabinet for Health & Family Services | Department for Public Health

Location

100 Sower Blvd Suite 204
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Description

The Department for Public Health, Division of Laboratory Services (DLS), Global Preparedness & Environmental Branch is dedicated to improving health and safety of Kentucky citizens through prevention, promotion and protection.

The Public Health Laboratory Scientist II position provides the individual with the opportunity to perform critical, life-saving testing for various environmental/chemical exposures. The Branch works with submitting facilities across the state to ensure requested and mandated testing services are provided to all citizens living in the Commonwealth.

The Division strives to allow individuals to enhance their laboratory skills through advanced trainings in state–of-the-art technologies. The Environmental Chemistry Section of DLS is responsible for providing analysis of the approximately 4,200 specimens received each month. This testing allows for treatment to begin as soon as possible in the affected individual’s lives, thereby eliminating or reducing the effects of the exposures, which could include permanent physical/mental disability or death.

The Division is seeking a Public Health Laboratory Scientist II that will be responsible for performing environmental lead, pesticide, mercury, fluoride, heavy metals detection and analysis for the submitting facilities in Kentucky. This individual will work with our state partners, such as the Kentucky Milk Safety Branch, Kentucky Food Safety Branch, the KY Division of Water, the state fluoride testing program, local health department environmentalists, industrial hygienists, and federal partners such as the EPA, FDA, USDA and OSHA.

The candidate for this position needs to be a fast learner, enthusiastic, motivated to do an excellent job, have a desire to improve systems and keep the team informed of issues. The successful candidate needs to be professional, polite, attentive to details and understands the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in U.S. CHFS will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that CHFS has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or https://dhs.gov/e-verify

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Performs testing of environmental samples for lead, heavy metals, solvents, pesticides, mercury, fluoride and toxic drug substance metabolites.
• Gains and maintains knowledge concerning testing for environmental chemical exposures.
• Performs testing and analysis, including gravimetric, liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
• Serves as technical advisor to state personnel on sample collection, preservation and submission.
• Analyzes and interprets data and determine the validity of the process and result; maintain QA/QC records and testifies in court as needed.
• Serves as a member of the Chemical Terrorism Response Team and attends trainings and conferences to maintain analytical knowledge.
• Performs testing for after hours, holiday and weekend coverage for public health events and incidents
• Develops and implements new and modified laboratory techniques.
• Assists with Lab certification audits and participates in proficiency testing.

The Ideal candidate will have:

• Ability and desire to learn quickly
• Knowledge of environmental chemistry assays
• Understanding of application of ICP-OES, ICP-MS, GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, GC-FID
• Familiar with various accrediting bodies such as AIHA/ ISO 17025, EPA, and FDA
• Familiar with various extraction process such as QuEChERS and microwave digestion
• Understanding of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Computer literacy
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to work with others: motivates and is an excellent team member
• Adhere to confidentiality requirements (HIPAA)
• Self-starter with initiative to problem solve scientific/instrument issues

Minimum Requirements

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in a laboratory setting. May be exposed to potential hazards related to laboratory conditions and supplies which may require the following of safety precautions.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Rita Dempsey at rdempsey@ky.gov or 502-782-3872.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D