Associate Chemist (DOH/SLD#00070943)

New Mexico Department of Health; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Department of Health, Scientific Laboratory, seeks a chemist to support the Drug Screening section of the Forensic Toxicology Bureau. You will handle accession of state-wide blood kits, prepare reagents, and maintain instruments while coordinating with law enforcement and legal offices.

The ideal candidate has hands-on chemistry lab experience, is comfortable following procedures, and collaborates well with a team in a safety-conscious environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related field; four years may substitute for required education.

Responsibilities

• Accession Implied Consent blood kits collected state-wide by law enforcement.
• Prepare chemical solutions, manage reagent inventories, and perform daily instrument maintenance.
• Perform carbon monoxide testing for the NM Office of the Medical Investigator; potential cross-training in ELISA drug screening.
• Execute data entry and review laboratory data; perform daily operational duties.
• Assist with subpoena processing, court calendar tracking, and discovery order preparation.
• Document telephonic communications and maintain professional liaison with law enforcement and legal offices.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Chromatography

Immunoassay

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Job description

Posting Details

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

Salary

$18.69 - $28.04 Hourly

$38,885 - $58,327 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C3

Posting Details

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

The Scientific Laboratory (SL) is the sole public health laboratory for New Mexico. It conducts tests for infectious diseases threatening people, livestock and wildlife, as well as for hazardous materials and pollutants in our water, air and milk. It also tests for alcohol and drugs in DWI criminal cases and for autopsy cases. Over the course of a year, the lab performs more than 350,000 tests on nearly 80,000 samples

Our mission is to provide analytical laboratory support services and scientific advisement services for tax-supported agencies and groups or entities administering health and environmental programs for New Mexico citizens.

Why does the job exist?

This position will support the Drug Screening section of the Forensic Toxicology Bureau.

How does it get done?

• Accession Implied Consent blood kits collected state-wide by law enforcement agencies.
• Prepare chemical solutions, manage reagent and supply inventories, and complete daily/weekly instrument maintenance.
• Perform carbon monoxide testing for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, with potential cross-training in ELISA drug screening.
• Execute data entry, review laboratory data, and perform daily operational duties.
• Assist with subpoena processing, court calendar tracking, and discovery order preparation.
• Facilitate smooth judicial proceedings through rigorous support and precise documentation.
• Serve as a professional liaison for law enforcement personnel and legal offices via phone, email, and in-person interactions.
• Thoroughly document all telephonic communications and represent the bureau professionally.

Who are the customers?

The duties of this job will be performed to contribute to the overall safety of the citizens throughout the state of New Mexico.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate possesses hands‑on laboratory experience in chemical experimentation and analysis, with exposure to chromatography or immunoassay techniques through either academic coursework or professional work. They are adaptable, eager to follow established procedures, and comfortable asking clarifying questions when needed. Additionally, they bring strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset to work effectively alongside team members.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.

Employment Requirements

This is a safety sensitive position. The incumbent will be required to pass a preemployment drug screen. In state and out of state travel may be required. Successful completion of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is required. A valid driver's license and successful completion of Defensive Driving Certification within 60 days of hire is required.

Working Conditions

Extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Punctuality and time management are key aspects of this position. Work is also performed in a fully functional laboratory with potential exposure to hazardous solvents, acids, bases, and chemical/biological agents. Incumbent may be exposed to mechanical hazards due to extended standing and repetitive trunk, arm, hand & neck movements. The position involves using high voltage electronic instrumentation and high-pressure gas cylinders. In addition, the position requires the ability to lift and/or push 50 lbs. Strict adherence to safety policy is mandatory and incumbent should be aware of exposure to odors, background noise, unknown compounds in samples, broken glassware, hot surfaces, and biological pathogens.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.