Laboratory Services - Graduate Intern

Date Opened: Thursday, March 06, 2025 12:00 AM

Close Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 12:00 AM

Department: Charlotte Water Department

Salary: $26.00 - $27.00 Commensurate with Experience

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for implementation and validation of a qPCR method, based on existing literature, within the Microbiology Section of Laboratory Services. Additional responsibilities include: receipt of samples, assurance that chain of custody protocols are in accordance with state and federal safe laws and laboratory protocols, login of samples into LIMS, and SDS/chemical inventory updates. Work involves ensuring that equipment is properly calibrated and sampling procedures follow protocols; recording observations; and informing personnel of any deviations from procedure. This position maintains an inventory of supplies in the immediate work area and maintains a clean and safe work area.

*Must be currently enrolled in a graduate program in chemistry or a scientific discipline.

Hourly pay rate - $27.00

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:        

• Conducts assigned PCR research within the Microbiology Section of the lab.
• Logs in and checks in samples in the laboratory; subcontracts samples as needed; validates and maintains legal chain of custody; and records deviation from protocols.
• Performs sample preparation and analysis according to approved methods and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)s.
• Reviews data and procedures; verifies that procedural requirements are met and comply with the Laboratory’s Quality Assurance (QA)Program.
• Performs maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Records observations, calculations, and results accurately.
• Handles laboratory chemicals, potentially infectious microbes, samples, equipment and instrumentation according to specific sample requirements, approved methods, SOPs, QA procedures, safety protocols, and CHP.
• Informs supervisor of any problems associated with instrumentation, equipment, and materials as well as any deviations from schedules, methods, sample anomalies, and SOPs.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of work area.
• Greets clients; receives deliveries; and answers phone calls.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a scientific discipline from an accredited school.
• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in chemistry or a scientific discipline.
• Prefer experience with qPCR analysis of water samples and work experience in a certified environmental laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software.
• Knowledge of common office software and other pertinent computer software.
• Knowledge of sampling and laboratory protocols.
• Skill in calibrating equipment.
• Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in analytical thinking, methodical and systematic approach.
• Ability to follow SOPs and reference methods.
• Ability to follow instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work is medium, which requires applying 30 pounds of force frequently and exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally to move objects.  Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: prolonged standing and/or sitting, walking, balancing, climbing, stooping, crouching, kneeling, grasping, handling, lifting, manual dexterity, feeling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, distinguishing among sounds, mental acuity, visual acuity in data/color/observations /instrumentation, and walking.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:     

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs. Work is performed in a relatively safe, secure, and stable work environment. Requires working on-call as scheduled, and working nights and weekends as needed.  Requires occasional work over the 40-hour work week. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties at any time.  This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

To perform