Chemist 2, Newborn Screening (Multiple Positions) DOH8252

Description

This position requires working in-person at our Public Health Laboratory located in Shoreline, WA.

Chemist 2, Newborn Screening (Multiple Positions)

Join us in this vital mission to support the health of infants across the state! As part of our team, you'll play a crucial role in improving infant health by conducting a variety of laboratory tests on newborn blood samples to detect treatable heritable disorders.

Your work will be hands-on, processing and testing a high volume of newborn dried blood specimens. You'll operate both complex and routine equipment, including computer software, to analyze test results and ensure accurate readings. From setting up STAT tests to maintaining quality control records and equipment, your attention to detail will be key. Plus, you'll keep things running smoothly by monitoring supplies, preparing reagents, and ensuring quality control materials are in order.

Responsibilities

• Operate complex instruments in a CLIA-certified lab to measure chemical components of newborn blood specimens, including amino acids, acylcarnitine, hormones, enzyme activities, and DNA sequences.
• Determine assay acceptability by monitoring QC and QA parameters, identifying abnormal results, and setting up reference experiments for further analysis.
• Troubleshoot equipment and instrument problems and program the lab information management system for testing worklists.
• Prepare specimens for testing by separating, sorting, editing, and evaluating their suitability.
• Punch specimens for initial and repeat tests using blood spot punchers and distributors.
• Maintain inventory and records, including preparing reagents, standards, and controls, monitoring lab supply inventory, and archiving results and records.
• Provide back-up duties for co-workers by testing disorders, analyzing results, performing QA/QC checks, and submitting routine reports.
• Assist in developing and updating procedures to increase accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist in assessing and developing new technologies and improvement projects.
• Prepare results for mailing to submitters, process specimens for special projects or research, and provide assistance with shipments, organizing storage areas, and other tasks related to newborn screening.
  
  

Required Qualifications And Experience

You must meet one of the following qualification options and the additional experience criteria.

• Option 1: Five (5) or more years of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory.
• Option 2: A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, microbiology, or a health-related field which includes 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of chemistry and at least one course and one lab in molecular biology; AND two years of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory.
• Option 3: A Master’s degree in chemistry or microbiology; AND six (6) or more months of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory.
  
  

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience in achievement orientation, analysis and problem solving, cultural competency, customer service, and professional and technical competence.
• Experience in strategic planning, project planning, and organizational skills.
  
  

Our ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following interpersonal skills and competencies:

• Cultural humility by embracing diverse perspectives and honoring various cultures.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion, removing barriers, championing social justice, and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Using an outward mindset to fuel impactful contributions and blending your personal expertise with collaborative achievements.
• Problem-solving and crafting effective solutions while communicating clearly across different mediums.
• Dedication to customer service and navigating diverse interactions to build strong organizational relationships.
• Your technical competence should shine, making you an invaluable asset to our team!
  
  

Location and Flexibility

Join our onsite team to collaborate directly with colleagues and be part of our dynamic workplace environment. This position requires working in-person at our Public Health Laboratory located in Shoreline, WA. This position will be assigned a regular Monday through Friday, or Tuesday through Saturday schedule. This schedule can be changed to either schedule based on business needs.

Benefits And Lifestyle

We prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "Why DOH" by visiting Work@Health .

About Us

The PHL: Empowering Health and Protecting Communities!

The Washington State Public Health Laboratories (PHL) provides essential support to local health jurisdictions and healthcare providers in disease monitoring and outbreak response. Serving as the reference laboratory, PHL identifies rare diseases such as Rabies, Hantavirus, and West Nile virus, along with analyzing clinical samples for statewide outbreaks and shellfish contamination. With a focus on public health, PHL plays a critical role in safeguarding communities and addressing potential health threats.

Newborn Screening: Saving Lives with a Simple Blood Spot

The Washington State Department of Health, Office of Newborn Screening (NBS) tests all infants born in Washington for a number of rare but treatable disorders using a dried blood spot specimen. Infants with these disorders usually appear healthy at birth and, without screening, the disorders are not likely to be detected and treated in time to prevent death or severe disability. Newborn screening is one of the most successful public health initiatives in the USA. Babies with these disorders can have serious health problems, but screening and early treatment can help our youngest Washingtonians grow up healthy!

We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington health.

Application Directions

• To apply, please click "Apply" to complete the application, including attaching your Resume, Cover Letter, and References (at least 3 professional references including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable)).
• Do not submit private information including social security numbers, year of birth, etc.
• The hiring manager WILL NOT review additional supplemental attachments. DO NOT attach or submit the following:
• Please REMOVE personal photos before attaching resume and/or cover letter.
• Transcripts
• Certifications or Diplomas
• Projects or Portfolios
• Letters of Recommendation
  
  

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

Representation: This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need accommodation in the application or selection process, or need information in an alternative format, contact Shawnelle Goalder at shawnelle.goalder@doh.wa.gov . For general DOH recruitment questions, email the Talent Acquisition Team at employment@doh.wa.gov . Deaf or hard of hearing contact Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1; individuals outside of Washington State contact Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6874.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

Conditions Of Employment

I am prepared, with or without accommodations, to do the following:

• As part of regulatory compliance for our College of American Pathologists Accreditation, PHL technical staff involved in tasks requiring color discrimination undergo evaluations to ensure proficiency in visual color discernment.
• In alignment with management and Public Health Laboratory Risk assessment, you'll be required to receive vaccinations for laboratory contaminants deemed necessary to maintain a safe working environment.
• Work Environment: You'll be hands-on in the lab, where you'll handle dried blood (and occasionally whole blood) as well as various laboratory chemicals. Expect to lift items weighing up to 25 lbs. and engage in repetitive tasks for 2 to 3 hours at a time.
• Schedule: Our lab operates Monday through Saturday and even on most holidays, so you'll need to be flexible to participate in the Saturday and holiday rotation. This position will be assigned a regular Monday through Friday, or Tuesday through Saturday schedule. This schedule can be changed to either schedule based on business needs. Additionally, be prepared for occasional shifts outside of regular hours at short notice, especially during outbreaks or emergency responses.
• Travel: There might be occasional travel involved, either solo or with a colleague, sometimes requiring overnight stays or trips out of state. You may need to drive a state- or privately-owned vehicle or arrange alternative transportation while on official business.
• Equipment: You'll work with a range of lab equipment, from incubators to centrifuges, pipettes to mass spectrometers. Plus, you'll use standard office gear like computers, printers, and fax machines, and don't forget your personal protective equipment!
• Interactions: You'll collaborate closely with newborn screening staff, office directors, lead workers, and various other colleagues across different offices in the lab. Expect to interact with health care providers and customers, as well as vendors and support staff.
• Other: Get ready for a dynamic environment, with noise, stress, and a fast pace. Remember, you'll be handling confidential patient information protected under HIPPA guidelines.
  
  

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Supplemental Information

This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.

King County 5% is included in the advertised pay.