DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

The Arizona Department of Health Services promotes and protects the health of Arizona’s children and adults. Our mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and wellness of individuals and communities in Arizona. We strive to set the standard for personal and community health through direct care, science, public policy, and leadership. ADHS promotes alternative work schedules, flexible hours. We have positions that can fit any stage in your career, from entry to senior level. We offer a robust benefit package, including the ADHS Student Loan Assistance Program, where eligible employees can receive up to $437.50 per month for their outstanding student loans. Come check us out and see how you can make a difference in the lives of all Arizonans.

FERN ANALYTICAL CHEMIST

(PHS 1 - 3)

Job Location:

Address:  250 N 17th Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $55,902 - $74,778 

Grade: 18 - 22

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for assisting with the FDA Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) program. This position will perform tasks for the FDA Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM) grant deliverables. This includes performing analysis on food matrices using ICP-MS, ICP-OES, GC-MS, and LC-HRMS. All analytical works performed in adherence to the ISO 17025 accreditation and ADHS Laboratory QA/QC protocols. Bench work includes samples prep, sample analysis and the interpretation of test results. Additional work includes LIMS data entry, the ordering of supplies/consumables, instrument maintenance, instrument/method troubleshooting, waste disposal, and general adherence to Good Laboratory Practices. Works directly with chemicals and common laboratory hazards (gases, cryogenic sample prep) as well as analytical processes that may involve microwave digestion and/or solvent extraction. Performs method development and FDA validations as needed. Position may be required to travel in support of the LFFM grant. Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Duties:

Perform instrument analyses on food matrices using ICP-MS, ICP-OES, GC-MS, and LC-HRMS. The instrument vendors includes Agilent 7700x ICP-MS with MassHunter software, Thermo iCap Pro ICP-OES with Qtegra software, Agilent GC-MS with Chemstation and Masshunter software, and Thermo QExactive LC-HRMS with Tracefinder software.
Primary and secondary data review of analytical data generated in support of the program.
Performs instrument maintenance/troubleshooting on ICP-MS, ICP-OES, GC-MS, and LC-HRMS.
Processing of a sample to a matrix that is amenable to the analytical instrument performing the measurement.
Orders and accepts program supplies for work unit as needed.
Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:
- General analytical techniques, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry; qualitative/quantitative chemistry principles.
- Theory and operation of analytical instruments.
- Safe laboratory practices.
- Scientific method.
- Interpersonal communication
- Troubleshooting an analytical method or instrument.
- Performance Management (PM), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and Lean methodologies.

Skill in:
- Manual dexterity, glassware set up, and sample transfer.
- Time management.
- Communication both written and oral.
- Research skills.
- Diagnostic capability to recognize when an instrument is not performing optimally.
- Evaluating data packages and determining whether they meet acceptance criteria.
- Flexibility in problem-solving and creativity to approach problems from a new perspective.
- Comprehension of proportions and mathematical concepts to ensure proper preparation of standards, correct dilutions of extracts, and accurate calculation of final results.
- Safe handling of pumps, large gas cylinders, and other pressurized devices, etc.
- Organizational skills: keeping all records required by State law; tracking and documenting preparation of standards; maintaining chain-of-custody status for samples being analyzed; ensuring that samples are prepared and analyzed within mandated time frames.

Ability to:
- Operate a variety of analytical instruments to achieve valid analytical data.
- Perform troubleshooting procedures and make appropriate changes or repairs to the instrumentation.
- Develop and implement procedure for routine and non-routine analytical equipment.
- Use meters, an