Skip to content
Search Public Health Job Opportunities Across The Nation

Explore national fellowship and internship opportunities

The list includes opportunities with governmental public health agencies, nonprofits organizations, global health initiatives, and more. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, national programs affiliated with the Centers of Disease Control and Preventions (CDC).

Chemist 2, Newborn Screening Lab

Internal Number: DOH8803

The Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Health plays a critical role in protecting the health of newborns across the state. This position supports that mission by performing hands-on laboratory testing that helps identify treatable genetic and metabolic conditions early, when intervention matters most.

As a Chemist 2 in the Newborn Screening Laboratory (NBS), you will independently conduct high-volume testing of newborn blood samples using advanced laboratory techniques and instrumentation. Your work directly supports timely, accurate screening results that impact families and health care providers statewide in Washington as well as in Idaho and Hawaii, as we are the regional testing NBS lab for those states too. This is an on-site laboratory role due to the nature of the work.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform chemical and biochemical testing on newborn dried blood specimens in a high-volume laboratory environment
  • Operate and troubleshoot both routine and complex laboratory instruments and automated systems
  • Analyze and interpret test results using laboratory software and information management systems
  • Monitor quality control and quality assurance parameters to ensure reliable and accurate results
  • Prepare specimens, reagents, controls, and materials needed for testing
  • Maintain detailed records of testing activities, results, and inventory
  • Support laboratory operations through equipment maintenance, reporting, and process improvements
  • Provide backup testing support and collaborate with team members to meet program needs

Option 1: Five (5) or more years of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory.

Option 2: Bachelor's degree in chemistry, microbiology, or a health-related field which includes 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of chemistry and at least one course and one lab in molecular biology; AND two or more years of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory.

Option 3: Master’s degree in chemistry or microbiology; AND at least six (6) months of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience:

  • Proficient using standard desktop software such as word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and file storage on shared network servers.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in operating and troubleshooting laboratory instruments (e.g. tandem mass spectrometers, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems, electrophoresis equipment, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and other common lab equipment/techniques).
  • Skilled in applying quality improvement tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and overall quality.
  • Familiarity with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures.
About Washington State Department of Health
Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide information to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies. To accomplish all of these, we collaborate with many partners every day. We help ensure a safer and healthier Washington by: Working to improve health through disease and injury prevention, immunization, and newborn screening Providing health and safety information, education and training so people can make healthy choices Promoting a health and wellness system where we live, learn, work, play and worship Addressing environmental health hazards associated with drinking water, food, air quality and pesticide exposure Protecting you and your family by licensing healthcare professionals, investigating disease outbreaks and preparing for emergencies
Connections working at Washington State Department of Health
More Jobs from This Employer
https://govphcareers.astho.org/jobs/21989530/chemist-2-newborn-screening-lab

Date Posted
01/21/2026
Job Reference
21989530
Organization
Washington State Department of Health
Location
Shoreline, WA
Category
Pediatric and Newborn Service
Apply Back

Connect with Local, State, and Territorial Health Departments

To find local governmental public health jurisdictions, see - www.naccho.org