Radiochemist

Department of Health and Human Services; Water Street (PA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Health and Human Services in Augusta, Maine invites applications for a Chemist I in the Radiochemistry section of the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory. The role emphasizes preparing and analyzing radiochemical samples, following strict SOPs, and contributing to safety and data quality.

Applicants should have a four-year chemistry background with knowledge of radiochemistry, instrumentation maintenance, and data handling.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in chemistry or related field required.
• Knowledge of radiochemistry principles.
• Experience calibrating and maintaining radiochemistry instrumentation.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and data analysis software.
• Experience with technical writing and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze radiochemical samples
• Prepare and document standards and reagents
• Ensure quality control by following laboratory policies and standard operating procedures
• Prepare cost estimates and order laboratory supplies
• Participate in laboratory emergency response procedures and drills
• Assist in method development and validation
• Collaborate with internal and external groups, notably the Maine Radiation Control Program, to improve radiation safety

Skills

Radiochemistry

Instrumentation maintenance

Data analysis

Technical writing

Education

Four-year degree in chemistry or related field

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Chemist I

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Opening Date: November 3, 2026

Closing Date: November 17, 2026

Job Class Code: 6401

Grade: 21 (04)

Salary: $24.76 - $34.65 per hour*
*This is inclusive of a 10.00% recruitment and retention stipend

Position Number: 02000-1954

Location: Augusta

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Core Responsibilities

The Radiochemistry department in Maine's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory is looking for a motivated chemist with experience in sample preparation and analysis. We are seeking candidates committed to producing quality data, continuous process improvement, safe laboratory practices, and contributing to our laboratory emergency response team. Prior radiochemistry experience is preferred but not required.

• Prepare and analyze radiochemical samples
• Prepare and document standards and reagents
• Ensure quality control by following laboratory policies and standard operating procedures
• Prepare cost estimates and order laboratory supplies
• Participate in laboratory emergency response procedures and drills
• Assist in method development and validation
• Collaborate with internal and external groups, notably the Maine Radiation Control Program, to improve radiation safety

Minimum Qualifications

A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or experience in chemistry or directly related field.

• Knowledge of radiochemistry principles
• Experience maintaining, calibrating, and fixing radiochemistry instrumentation
• Proficiency working with data in spreadsheets and/or programming software
• Experience with technical writing and presentations

Agency Information

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers. The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well‑being of the citizens of Maine.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto - 'Dirigo' or 'I lead' - as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize 12 days of sick leave per year.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $13,650.48 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
• Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

Equal Opportunity Statement

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

Contact Information

For questions about these positions, please contact Tyler Huth at [e-mail].

Reasonable Accommodations

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.