Analytical Chemist - Instrument Technician

JOB OVERVIEW

The Analytical Chemist is responsible for the upkeep and general day-to-day of the LC-MS/MS laboratory for running urine and oral fluid samples. This includes reagent preparation, instrument maintenance, patient sample run preparation, and anything leading up to result analysis. Ethos manages clinical samples for diagnostic drug and metabolite confirmation analysis, and this candidate will engage in professional work in conducting toxicological examinations to identify and quantify target compounds.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform and document daily, weekly, monthly, and as-needed maintenance on LC-MS/MS systems
• Prepare solutions for LC systems – requiring candidate to perform calculations related to basic chemistry, such as molarity, buffers, dilutions, etc.; also requires appropriate documentation of solutions prepared, opened, and filled
• Wash used reagent bottles/glasses/graduated cylinders
• Update MS systems for changes in methods, test menus, or changes in testing consumables, such as columns, solvents, etc. – requiring tracking maintenance repairs and monitoring use of consumables to stay within budgets
• Execute the successful tuning and calibration of LC-MS/MS systems, identify system errors, troubleshoot tuning/calibration errors, and work in close contact with Instrument Specialist and supervisors to correct instrumentation errors
• Prepare daily work lists for all methods and all matrices, ensuring accuracy of methods and most efficient use of instrument time
• Switch out batches of specimens on instruments to maintain workflow, as needed
• Review calibration and quality control data for each batch of patient samples
• Utilize established protocols to confirm retention time, precursor and product ions, and qualifier ions are within established ranges for peak qualification
• Program reinjections to run on the mass spec instruments
• Communicate with certifying scientists regarding plate status, instrument issues, and more
• Document data analysis completed and items for further review
• Transmit completed data analysis to the Laboratory Information System (LIS)
• Assist in proficiency testing, monitoring of daily controls, and be responsible for operating within the established quality controls parameters; including the recognition of invalid data and bringing all errors to the supervisor’s attention
• Participate in ongoing training and continuing education courses related to LC and MS systems
• Work on selected projects as determined by the Instrument Specialist or Technical Supervisor, and meet all established deadlines and project goals
• Participate in developing new testing opportunities and method development, as needed
• Participate in the optimization of new analytes; and potentially assist in the preparation of quality controls and calibrators from certified standard materials
• Other duties as assigned

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regular and prompt attendance
• Proficient in operating complex laboratory instrumentation and computers with scientific software.
• High level of attention to detail
• Demonstrated troubleshooting abilities
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent time management, documentation, and organizational skills
• Ability to coordinate laboratory functions and represent the toxicology laboratory professionally.
• Must be flexible, innovative, and self-motivated
• Must be able to plan and organize his/her work, and have ability to participate in method development, validation or research with technical supervision
• Ability to function seamlessly independently and in a team environment
• Able and willing to follow established protocols employing acceptable forensic standards of analysis and the use of judgment in searching for solutions or new applications within one’s own experience
• Must be able to work with limited supervision where the work assignments are subject to established procedures, practices, precedents, methods, techniques, standards, and/or well-defined policies
• Must be able to achieve superior results when work is reviewed in terms of quality, volume, timeliness, and adherence to established methods, standards and policies
• Ability to listen, learn, and promote accountability and responsibility related to all processes.
• Must be able and willing to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Science or Master of Science Degree in Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biology, Physics, or similar analytical science field
• Preference for candidates with familiarity with LC-MS/MS instruments (other experience in instrumental analysis of drugs in biological tissues on EIA, GC, HPLC, LC-MS, or LC-QTOF may be acceptable)
• Previous work with bodily fluids – such as urine, or oral fluid preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Excellent time management, scheduling, documentation, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated troubleshooting abilities
• Must be flexible, innovative, and self-motivated
• Ability to function independently and in a team environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in a laboratory environment and exposes the incumbent to normal laboratory hazards and chemicals, including biohazard materials
• Work in varying degrees of temperature (heated or air conditioned)
• Position requires sitting, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing

DIRECT REPORTS

• None