Job Title: Research Scientist (Chemistry)
Division: Regulatory and Environmental Affairs
Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston WV
FLSA Status: Exempt

NOTE: This position is contingent on grant funding. It is expected, but not assured, that funding will continue. In the event of funding loss, this position may be terminated.

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

Examples of Work:

• Assist with the design and implementation of laboratory research projects.
• Assist with developing methods using complex chemistry instrumentation, such as the GC/MS, LC/MS, and ICP/MS.
• Organize and analyze project data.
• Monitor and report progress results for research projects.
• Assist with the development, review of research proposals and reports for customers or publications.
• Help prepare and present information in public forums, scientific meetings and conferences.
• Utilize a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry.
• Ensure that quality policies and procedures are followed and maintain records of all quality activities as documented in Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) and test methods.
• Handle samples and perform analyses according to SOPs and test methods.
• Maintain and calibrate equipment according to SOPs
• Report deficiencies or malfunction to the Assistant Director.
• Identify and record Corrective Actions, Improvements, Risks, and Preventative Actions.
• Correct nonconformities and potential nonconformities.
• Improve laboratory and/or quality activities on a continuous basis.
• Assist with preparing official reports and may be called upon to testify before the court or the Commissioner.
• Improve laboratory and/or quality activities on a continuous basis.
• Attend meetings that may include overnight travel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Laboratory/office environment. Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull and handle objects and capable of lifting up to 50 pounds. May require working with pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals, and hot surfaces capable of burns. Warm, humid conditions can be found in the laboratory environment. Personal protective equipment is supplied and required for laboratory staff. Exposure to unpleasant odors may occur.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced 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 follow verbal and written instructions, formulas, and charts.
• Ability to prepare analytical reports, organize, and present scientific information in a clear and concise manner.
• Expert ability to do original research and devise new methods of testing.
• Advanced 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 water baths.
• Proficient in the use of general office equipment, Microsoft Office and laboratory-related software.
• Skilled in both verbal and written communications, including public speaking.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science in biology or chemistry required. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience: Three years’ paid experience with ICP/MS, LC/MS and GC/MS required. Three years’ paid experience in method development on GC/MS and LC/MS preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• 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.

 

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.