Chemist II

North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; North Carolina; On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in agricultural services is seeking a skilled Chemist II to lead the Extraction Task Force. This exciting role involves overseeing sample processing activities and ensuring compliance with quality management systems and ISO 17025 standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in analytical chemistry, particularly with gas and liquid chromatography, and will be responsible for training staff and maintaining high standards in pesticide analysis. If you are passionate about improving agricultural practices and have the necessary expertise, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Experience with analytical equipment such as GC and LC is essential.
• Ability to extract pesticides and interpret complex lab results required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Extraction Task Force and organize sample processing activities.
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems and ISO 17025 standards.

Skills

Analytical Equipment (GC, LC)

Pesticide Extraction

Quality Management Systems

Training Staff

Complex Lab Tests

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry

Tools

Gas Chromatography (GC)

Liquid Chromatography (LC)

Ion Chromatography

Job description

Description Of Work

The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

The Food & Drug Protection Division has five sections: Food, Dairy, Feed, Drug, and Administrative Services. It also includes three laboratory sections: Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Microbiology. The Division ensures that food, drugs, livestock feeds, fertilizers, and medical devices are wholesome and properly labeled through inspections and analysis.

The Organic Chemistry Section analyzes samples for pesticides residues, mycotoxins, and drugs using liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) with various detectors, including mass spectrometers. It also evaluates formulations of pesticides and antifreeze samples.

The Extraction Task Force within this section handles high volumes of diverse samples for residue analysis, employing methods like QuEChERS, solid-liquid, liquid-liquid, and solid-phase extractions. It maintains pesticide standards and prepares calibration curves and standards.

This Chemist II position leads the Extraction Task Force, organizing and reviewing sample processing activities, maintaining inventory of standards, and developing training on extraction methods. All work must comply with quality management systems and ISO 17025 standards. Additional duties may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities / Competencies

Applicants must demonstrate experience with analytical equipment such as GC with FID or MS, LC with various detectors, ion chromatography, or similar systems. Experience in extracting pesticides, organizing and training staff, performing complex lab tests, and interpreting results is required. Ability to pass a respirator medical fit test and work with matrices like grass, hay, and nuts is also necessary.

Preferred candidates will have experience with quality management systems and ISO 17025.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree in chemistry and four years of relevant laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.

Supplemental and Contact Information

Applications must include all relevant education and experience; resumes alone are not accepted. Veterans/National Guard applicants should submit appropriate documentation. Positions requiring law enforcement, aviation safety, or licenses will be subject to additional pre-employment testing. For questions, contact 919-707-3201.