Public Health Laboratory Scientist III, Chemistry

State Of Vermont Dept Health; Colchester (VT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

80% state medical premium

12 paid holidays

State pension plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness program

Public Service Student Loan Forgive.

Job summary

The Vermont Department of Health is seeking an enthusiastic radiochemist to join the environmental analytical team in the public health laboratory. You will perform radionuclide and environmental measurements, oversee data quality, and educate stakeholders in measurement methods.

The position emphasizes teamwork and readiness to address diverse tasks, with no mandatory radiochemistry experience required initially.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, radiochemistry, health physics, forensic science or a related chemical/biological science.
• Master's degree in chemistry, physical science, biological science or closely related field with 1+ year of radiochemistry or instrumental chemistry lab experience.
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physical science, biological science or closely related field with 3+ years of radiochemistry or instrumental chemistry lab experience.
• One year or more of experience as a Public Health Laboratory Scientist II, Chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Testing laboratory samples for radionuclides, anions, and physical characteristics in environmental matrices.
• Conducting data quality oversight and quality assurance.
• Educating scientists and stakeholders on chemical and radiochemical measurement methods.
• Helping with technical and operational development of specialty testing areas.
• Responding to public health emergencies such as elevated nitrite in drinking water or radiological events.
• Creating and maintaining internal and external partnerships to meet programmatic goals.
• Onboarding new tests and performing test verification.

Skills

Radiochemistry

Quality assurance

Data interpretation

Team player

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry or radiochemistry

M.S. in chemistry/physical/biological science

B.S. in chemistry/physical/biological science

Public Health Laboratory Scientist II experience

Job description

Overview

The Vermont Department of Health is looking for an enthusiastic, experienced, and scientifically curious laboratorian with environmental analytical experience to join the radiochemistry team at our public health laboratory. We are eager to meet candidates who can produce quality analytical data, proactively identify and implement changes to meet programmatic objectives and address non-conforming work with the appropriate corrective action. In addition to strong technical skills, our ideal candidate is also a team player who is willing to roll up their sleeves to do what needs to be done, no matter how simple or complex the task. While helpful, previous experience in radiochemistry is not required.

• Testing laboratory samples for radionuclides, anions, and physical characteristics in environmental matrices
• Conducting data quality oversight and quality assurance
• Educating scientists and stakeholders on chemical and radiochemical measurement methods
• Helping with technical and operational development of specialty testing areas
• Responding to public health emergencies such as elevated nitrite in drinking water, testing for tritium around nuclear power plants or analyzing foodstuffs after potential radiological contamination
• Creating and maintaining internal and external partnerships to further programmatic goals
• Onboarding new tests and performing test verification

Who May Apply

This position, Public Health Laboratory Scientist III, Chemistry (Job Requisition #55838), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact [e-mail]

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Must be able to work in laboratory conditions with exposure to noxious or harmful fumes and chemicals and operate sophisticated laboratory equipment. Must be willing to be called upon with short notice (sometimes only hours) to respond to a public health emergency or natural disaster affecting a large segment of the Vermont population and able to accurately analyze samples in such a short timeframe. May need to explain laboratory data and testing to the general public, explain what the VDHL can do and to educate them regarding public health science. Work requires some travel and incumbents should possess a valid Vermont operator's license.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, radiochemistry, health physics, forensic science or a related chemical or biological science.

OR

Master's degree in chemistry, physical science, biological science or a closely related field AND one (1) year or more of professional level quantitative, radiochemistry or instrumental chemistry laboratory experience in a public health, environmental or related laboratory setting.

OR

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physical science, biological science or a closely related field AND three (3) years or more of professional level quantitative, radiochemistry or instrumental chemistry laboratory experience in a public health, environmental or related laboratory setting.

OR

One (1) year or more of experience as a Public Health Laboratory Scientist II, Chemistry.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.