Chemistry Lab Technician

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

Wellness rewards

Health savings account (HSA)

457(b) deferred compensation

Pension plan options

Paid leave and holidays

Education reimbursement

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Free parking

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) seeks a skilled Laboratory Support role to receive and log environmental samples, prepare sampling kits, and perform testing for solids and biochemical oxygen demand on water samples.

Salary is structured with competitive benefits; a High School Diploma or equivalent with 2+ years of relevant experience is acceptable. Knowledge of regulatory requirements and strong administrative skills are valued for ongoing compliance.

Qualifications

• Ability to check and maintain proper Chain of Custody Forms.
• Ability to work with co-workers in a team environment for routine login and processing of samples.
• Ability to maintain laboratory records in compliance with regulations.
• Ability to cross-train in other testing areas to maintain workflow during staff shortages.
• Broad knowledge to conduct a wide range of established laboratory procedures
• Specialized knowledge of standard laboratory techniques and laboratory safety.
• Broad knowledge of basic laboratory preparation techniques (culture media) and equipment operation.
• Knowledge of all State and Federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to laboratory operations.
• Reading and following instructions for preparation of culture media, reagents, and specimens.
• Detail oriented and able to perform administrative tasks like inventory and data entry

Responsibilities

• Log specimens/samples into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Check and prepare all received sample paperwork for accuracy.
• Prepare bottles, reagents, and culture media for testing.
• Record results on prescribed forms and prepare reports.
• Handle and clean glassware containing contaminated material.
• Perform quality control procedures for reporting to management.
• Operate and maintain basic laboratory equipment and supplies.

Skills

Chain of Custody

Team collaboration

Lab record keeping

Cross-training

Lab procedures knowledge

Lab techniques

Lab prep techniques

Regulatory compliance

Culture media prep

Detail oriented

Inventory and data entry

Education

High School Diploma or HSE

Job description

About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH):

The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.

Role Overview:

Receive and log in samples into computer system for environmental testing. Clean glassware, open sample boxes, prepare sampling kits for mailing. Perform testing for solids and biochemical oxygen demand on water samples.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at$37,648.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Log specimens/samples into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Check and prepare all received sample paperwork or Chain of Custody forms for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare bottles, reagents, and specialized culture media for a variety of laboratory examinations as requested. Keeps appropriate documentation.
• Record results of analyses on prescribed forms and prepares applicable reports.
• Handle and clean glassware containing contaminated material prior to sterilization or disposal.
• Design and perform comparative procedures necessary for quality control to provide reporting for administrative review.
• Operate and maintain basic laboratory equipment and supplies.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Ability to check and maintain proper Chain of Custody Forms.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers in a team environment to perform the routine login and processing of environmental and other samples.
• Ability to maintain laboratory records in compliance with regulations.
• Ability to cross-train in other testing areas to maintain workflow in times of staff shortages and workload surges.
• Broad knowledge to conduct a wide range of established laboratory procedures both manual and automated
• Specialized knowledge of standard laboratory techniques and laboratory safety.
• Broad knowledge of basic laboratory preparation techniques (dilution culture media) as well as equipment operation (balances, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, autoclaves, and pH meters).
• Broad knowledge and compliance with all State and Federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to laboratory operations (e.g. CLIA, EPA, FDA, USDA, HIPPA, Blood Borne Pathogen, etc.).
• Working knowledge of common laboratory procedures in the chemistry and/or microbiology laboratory with knowledge of terminology associated with assignments in the laboratory.
• Working knowledge on current advancements in laboratory sample preparation and/or analysis as well as relevant equipment.
• Ability to read and follow instructions for the preparation of culture media, reagents, test kits, and specimens.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Ability to perform administrative support tasks such as inventory, data entry and report preparation and filing.

A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) and at least 2+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .