Laboratory Services - Graduate Intern I

Date Opened: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 12:00 AM

Close Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 12:00 AM

Department: Charlotte Water Department

Salary: $26.00 - $27.00 Commensurate with Experience

Welcome to the City of Charlotte

Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents.

Our guiding principles include:

• Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce

• Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development

• Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services

• Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems

• Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for optimization and validation of a MALDI-TOF method, based on existing protocols and 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, SDS/chemical inventory updates, and media/reagent preparation. 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.

The hourly rate for this position is $27.00/hr.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:         

• Conducts assigned MALDI-TOF 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:

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

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a scientific discipline from an accredited school.

• Prefer experience with MALDI-TOF 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 aseptic technique and handling of microbiologics

• 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, reac