Chemist I or II

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.

Standard summary: HS048 Chemist I

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

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

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

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

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

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

- 5% Provides result interpretation and participates in educational and outreach activities

- 5% Performs non-routine instrument maintenance and repairs

• Engages in the development, evaluation, and implementation of new methodologies including techniques for chemical research experiments - 10%

• 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 - 25%

• Prepares technical reports, makes scientific recommendations based on findings, and presents materials to stake holder groups through various mediums 10%

• Supports and/or trains new employees, students, and other professional colleagues - 15%

• Provides result interpretation and participates in educational and outreach activities - 5%

• Performs non-routine instrument maintenance and repairs - 5%

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

This position is posted at multiple levels. Title and salary to be determined upon hire based on experience.
Minimum Salary for Chemist I: $53,000/year

Minimum Salary for Chemist II: $56,000/year

The WSLH is 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.

-Additional duties of chemist title include: Participate in maintaining compliance with clinical laboratory testing regulatory entities (CAP or CLIA).

-Chemist I: 0-2 years previous experience, or equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.

-Chemist II: 2+ years previous relevant work experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job. 2+ years work experience in a clinical laboratory setting performing high complexity clinical testing; preferred. Prior work experience using mass spectrometry; preferred.

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

At minimum, a Bachelor of Science degree in a 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).

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

To begin the application process please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV and cover letter briefly describing your qualifications relevant to the position.

WSLH does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment for this position.

All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

The selected applicant will be required to pass a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment.

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; as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employee must be able to perform the essential job functions as outlined in the position description with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Work hours 7:30am - 4:00pm Tuesday-Saturday. Rotational Holidays as needed.

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 backgrounds and 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).

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