Chemist IV

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Functional Title: Chemist IV 
Job Title: Chemist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Emergency Preparedness 
Posting Number: 11127 
Closing Date: 03/30/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,874.80 - $6,764.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 8831,43EX,43TX,4B0X1,4T0X1,61CX,9S100 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Serves as a Chemist for the Chemical Threat Laboratory in support of Cooperative Agreement for Public Health Emergency Preparedness (CDC PHEP) required grant activities. Under the supervision of the Emergency Prep. Branch Manager and the Chemical Threat Team Lead, participates in activities to ensure the Chemical Threat Team is prepared to analyze clinical specimens using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatograph tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS), or biotechnology laboratory automation (BLA) within 24 hours of notification of a suspected or actual chemical terrorism incident. Provides training in Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Protocols for Chemical Threat testing utilizing the ICP-MS, GC-MS, BLA, and LC-MSMS technology. Maintains quality control and preventive maintenance documentation. Implements new LRN methods and procedures as they become available ensuring adherence to the protocols. Cross trains in other LRN test procedures and serves as a surge capacity analyst for all team procedures. Assists with the preparation and maintenance of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Chemical Threat Laboratory. Provides training to Level 3 laboratories in Chemical Threat specimen collection, packaging, and shipping protocols. Interacts with the Biological LRN laboratories ensuring response capacity to a chemical threat event. Assists with activities supporting CDC PHEP grant deliverables. Characterize/identify unknown compounds (“white powders”) using wet chemistry or the laboratory’s equipment for law enforcement agencies. Performs all tasks with minimal supervision and extensive latitude for using initiative and independent judgment. Supports the creation of a laboratory-wide safety culture by serving as a liaison to the Safety Office to ensure a healthy and safe workplace. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1. Ensure that the Chemical Threat Team is prepared to analyze clinical specimens using ICP-MS, GC-MS, BLA, and LC-MSMS methods within 24 hours after notification of a suspected or actual chemical terrorism event as indicated in the CDC PHEP grant. Performs sample preparation and instrument analysis tasks to ensure that specimen analysis and results reporting occur within the required hold and/or turnaround times. Prioritizes and assigns specimens to work lists. Promptly informs the Chemical Threat Team Leader of any problems that occur which may delay completion of the analysis or reporting. Maintains proper chain of custody protocols. Reviews and evaluates analytical data and supporting records including mathematical calculations for accuracy and adherence to LRN and DSHS protocols. Ensures that supplies and equipment are maintained at a level to preclude production failure. Demonstrates proficiency in all analytical methods performed by the team and serves as a back-up analyst as required. Maintains competency in all procedures by performing demonstration of capability, development of quality control limits, and determination of method detection limits (MDL). Characterize/Identify Unknown Compounds (“white powders”) submitted by law enforcement agencies using common wet chemistry techniques, FTIR, XRF, GC-, LC-, or ICP-MS.  (25%)

EJF2. Understands and applies the quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) principles required for clinical specimen analysis as required by CLIA/CAP. Ensures that the team’s activities are performed in compliance with the EP Branch’s Quality Assurance Plan and the Section’s Quality Management Plan. Investigates the cause of method and equipment problems and implements, documents, and verifies corrective action(s). Performs review of quality control data and adjusts control limits as required. Ensures that the appropriate proficiency samples are analyzed, and appropriate corrective actions are implemented for any unsatisfactory results. Verifies the accuracy of spreadsheet calculation programs before using. Resolves data acceptability questions.  Adheres to guidelines as specified in the CDC PHEP Cooperative Agreement and DSHS Laboratory.  (10%)

EJF3.  Prepares Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as assigned for the Team’s activities. Ensures that the SOPs provide clear, detailed step-by-step instructions, and contain all mandatory reference methods, DSHS, CDC PHEP, CLIA/CAP, and LRN-C requirements. Reviews the SOPs annually and proposes revisions as required.  Prepares SOPs for new methods.  Trains the Team members in the operation and maintenance of ICP-MS, GC-MS, BLA, and LC-MSMS equipment, specimen tracking, specimen preparation, evaluation and use of quality control data, data interpretation, documentation of procedures, and results reporting. Ensures the performance of required demonstrations of capability prior to the analysis of patient specimens. Maintains adequate training records as proof of training. (5%)

EJF4. Maintains the ability to operate and troubleshoot all instruments used by the Team in support of CDC PHEP grant deliverables. Verifies instrument calibration and performance before accepting analytical data. Evaluates instrument malfunctions to resolve or isolate problems before initiating service requests. Provides training in routine maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for ICP-MS, GC-MS, BLA, LC-MSMS, and other analytical equipment. Ensures that all instrument maintenance, modifications, and repairs including those performed by service technicians are documented. Monitors instrument performance through routine inspections of quality control records and instrument maintenance logs. (10%)

EJF5. Leads and assists in the development of designing and implementing automation protocols with various BLA equipment.  Ensures that automated liquid handlers are programmed and integrated with existing and future methods.  Evaluates programming malfunctions to resolve or isolate issues.  Performs routine and advanced maintenance. (5%)  

EJF 6. Plans and evaluates, as assigned, the technical requirements for adding new analytical and automated workflow methods. Researches the new procedures to determine the required reagents, equipment and programming requirements. Documents all developmental procedures used in the analysis and evaluation of the quality control parameters. Validates procedures by performing experiments including but not limited to: accuracy, precision, reference range, method detection limit (MDL) demonstration of capability, development of quality control limits, matrix effects/interference determination, and analytical measurement range (AMR). Identifies techniques, procedures, or information critical to obtaining accurate results. (10%)  

EJF 7. Performs other duties and activities in support of the EP branch as assigned, including but not limited to: actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

EJF8.  Assists with analyses in the Newborn Metabolic Screening, Clinical Chemistry, Microbiological or Environmental Sciences Groups as necessary.  Participates and supports DSHS/Chemical Threat Laboratory Safety Program activities. (30%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge and skill of operating ICP-MS, GC-MS, Liquid Handlers, and LC-MSMS instruments.

Knowledge and skill of programming and operating liquid handlers.
Knowledge of working with clinical urine, serum, and blood samples

Knowledge of chemical and biological safety and disposal protocols
Knowledge of clinical method development for analytical procedures.
Knowledge of chemicals that can be used as terrorism agents

Knowledge of shipping and packaging regulations for biological materials.
Knowledge of laboratory training techniques
Knowledge of QA and QC principles as required by CLIA/CAP

Ability to follow complex standard operating procedures
Ability to be on call 24/7 on a rotating basis.

Ability to work effectively 24/7 when required.

Skilled in the use of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Skilled in communicating effectively oral and written
Skilled in working as a team under time constraints and high-pressured emergency situations

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience operating ICP, GC, or LC instruments

Education: BS/BA, Masters, or Doctorate in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution.

Additional Information:

Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, applicants will have their driving records checked through the Department of Public Safety and applicants must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.  Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form