Chemist I/II

University of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 53,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, part of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, seeks a Chemist I/II to perform high‑complexity testing in newborn screening. You will develop and validate methods, report results, and ensure quality across pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical steps.

BS in chemical/biological/clinical lab science or medical technology is required. Experience with mass spectrometry, enzymatic assays, QC/QA, and strong color vision are preferred; the role offers a

Qualifications

• CLIA-certified laboratory experience required or preferred.
• 42 CFR § 493.1489 standard for testing personnel.
• Chemist I: laboratory experience preferred.
• Chemist II: 3 years laboratory experience required; clinical experience preferred.
• Must pass color vision screening prior to offer.

Responsibilities

• Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data - 15%.
• Verifies test result validity and/or completes regulatory compliance activities - 5%.
• Prepares, develops, and conducts chemical research experiments analyzing specimens with QC/QA practices - 65%.
• Utilizes, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation/IMS to meet unit objectives.
• Uses analytical methods-based quality requirements to verify test results and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Quality control

Mass spectrometry

Enzymatic assays

Color vision

Education

Bachelor of Science in chemical/biological/clinical laboratory science/medical technology

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Chemist I

Job Summary:

The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) is the state's public and environmental health laboratory. As part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the WSLH is committed to exploring new ideas which benefit the state, the nation and the world. The newborn screening laboratory has an exciting fast-paced full time public health opportunity for a Chemist.

The primary role of this position is to perform clinical laboratory tests to identify and adequately treat metabolic and congenital disorders in newborns, children and adults as a part of the WSLH Newborn Screening Program.

The techniques relevant to this position include, but not limited to, tandem mass spectrometry, enzymatic assays, immunoreaction assays, and molecular technologies. Depending on the individual previous working experience and the laboratory need, the expected duties may be with an emphasis on one or two areas. In conjunction with other professionals in the program, this position also assists with pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical phases of testing, including reporting of screening test results. The person in this position is expected to model and use the tools and principles of quality management in their daily work including: demonstrate exceptional professionalism by establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with directors, manager, supervisors, coworkers, and all customers. The person must use effective team skills to contribute to the efficient operation of the work unit and the organization. Participation in continuous learning through professional development activities is also expected. The position functions under general supervision and direction of the Chemist Supervisor.

Performs testing, manages testing services, and reports results for chemical constituents in specimens and samples collected from humans, plants, animals, or other environmental matrices.

Standard Summary: HS092 Chemist I

Identifies, reviews, and develops new analytical methodologies and sample preparation techniques. Performs high complexity testing, manages testing services with broad implications to public health, and reports results for chemical constituents in specimens and samples collected from humans, plants, animals, or other environmental matrices. Serves as a subject matter technical expert.

**Chemist I job duties listed below under key responsibilities.

Standard Summary: HS092 Chemist II

Identifies, reviews, and develops new analytical methodologies and sample preparation techniques. Performs high complexity testing, manages testing services with broad implications to public health, and reports results for chemical constituents in specimens and samples collected from humans, plants, animals, or other environmental matrices. Serves as a subject matter technical expert.

• 10% Engages in the development, evaluation, and implementation of new methodologies including techniques for chemical research experiments
• 25% Performs high complexity analytical testing, employing quality control and quality assurance practices
• 25% Utilizes, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and information management systems to meet unit objectives in alignment with strategic initiatives
• 10% Prepares technical reports, makes scientific recommendations based on findings, and presents materials to stake holder groups through various mediums
• 5% Establishes and maintains partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and communicates research updates to appropriate entities
• 15% Supports and/or trains new employees, students, and other professional colleagues
• 5% Provides result interpretation and participates in educational and outreach activities
• 5% Performs non-routine instrument maintenance and repairs

Normal work schedule will be Tuesday - Saturday 8:00 - 4:30 pm following training period.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data - 15%

• Verifies test result validity and/or completes regulatory compliance activities - 5%

• Prepares, develops, and conducts chemical research experiments analysis of specimens employing quality control and quality assurance practices - 65%

• Utilizes, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and information management systems to meet unit objects in alignment with strategic initiatives - 5%

• Utilizes assigned analytical methods-based quality requirements to verify test result validity and/or meet regulatory compliance - 10%

Department:

Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene - Disease Prevention Division - Newborn Screening

Compensation:

Chemist I - $53,000/year minimum

Chemist II - $55,000/year minimum

Depending on the experience of a successful candidate, the position will pay according to the salary administration guidelines.

Actual pay is determined at hire and is based on experience and qualifications.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see http://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf.

Required Qualifications:

WSLH clinical services are certified through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), and accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).

Candidate must meet 42 CFR § 493.1489 Standard; Testing Personnel qualifications, High Complexity Testing.

Chemist I: Experience in a laboratory is preferred.

Chemist II: 3 years of laboratory experience required. Clinical laboratory experience preferred.

Must be able to visually distinguish colors. A color vision screening test is required prior to an offer of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analytical chemistry; knowledge of high performance liquid chromatography; knowledge of enzymatic assays; knowledge of mass spectrometry; knowledge of quality control principles; knowledge of quality assurance; knowledge of method validation; Knowledge of mathematical functions and ratios; knowledge of laboratory safety and handling of chemicals, biological samples and laboratory equipment; knowledge of newborn screening blood collection techniques and precautions; Knowledge of computer operation principles; use of quality principles and tools; effective team skills; effective customer service skills; Interpersonal skills; ability to effectively teach and communicate with students and staff; effective writing skills.

Education:

At minimum, a Bachelor of Science degree chemical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution, is required.

An official (or copy of an official) transcript showing conferred degree will be required as a condition of employment.

For degrees earned outside of the United States, proof of qualification equivalency is required and must be performed by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Association Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) http://www.naces.org or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. http://www.aice-eval.org. Course by course review is required for candidates demonstrating ability to meet CLIA qualifications.

The candidate is responsible for all expenses related to acquiring and providing proof of qualifications.

Contact Information:

Please contact Kelsey Bailey, [e-mail] with questions.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.