Job Title: Research Scientist (Chemistry)

Division: Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division

Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston, WV

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
 

Nature of Work: An employee in this position is responsible for planning, conducting, and analyzing and assisting with experiments within a broad range of disciplines, including chemistry, microbiology, molecular, and genomics.

Examples of Work:

• Designs and implements laboratory research projects.
• Develops methods using complex chemistry instrumentation, such as the GC/MS, LC/MS, and ICP/MS.
• Organizes and analyzes project data.
• Monitors progress and reports results for research projects.
• Develops and reviews research proposals and reports for customers or publications.
• Prepares and presents information in public forums, scientific meetings and conferences.

• Utilizes a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry.
• Ensures that quality policies and procedures are followed and maintains records of all quality activities as documented in SOPs and test methods.
• Handles samples and performs analyses according to SOPs and test methods.
• Maintains and calibrates equipment according to SOPs.
• Reports deficiencies or malfunctions to the Assistant Director.
• Identifies and records nonconformities on Corrective Action Requests.
• Identifies and records potential nonconformities on Preventive Action Requests.
• Corrects nonconformities and potential nonconformities.
• Improves laboratory and/or quality activities on a continuous basis.
• Prepares official reports and may be called upon to testify before the court or the Commissioner.
• Attends meetings to represent the department that may require overnight travel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, bacteriology and microbiology.
• Skilled in manipulative techniques and in following standard scientific laboratory methods.
• Skilled in the use of operation, calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment commonly used in analytical laboratories.
• Ability to understand and to follow oral and written instructions, formulas, and charts.
• Ability to prepare analytical reports, and organize and present scientific information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to do original research and devise new methods of testing.
• Ability and knowledge to operate technical laboratory platforms such as ICP/MS, LC/MS/MS, GC/MS, PCR and ELISA.
• Ability to operate general laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, hotplates, centrifuges, and waterbaths.
• Ability to operate general office equipment and a computer with office and laboratory related software.
• Skilled in both oral and written communications with co-workers and the public.

Working Conditions:

• General laboratory environment and activities that include sitting, standing, and/or walking for extended periods of time; frequent bending, squatting, and reaching above shoulder level, pushing, pulling and handling objects, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• May work with pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals such as disinfectants, acids, bases, mutagens, teratogens, and solvents; hot liquids, steam, and hot solid surfaces capable of burns; and warm, humid conditions typical in the laboratory environment.
• Wear personal protective equipment.
• May be exposed to unpleasant odors.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in biology or chemistry required. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience: Three years’ experience with ICP/MS, LC/MS and GC/MS required. Five years’ experience in method development on GC/MS and LC/MS preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.