Chemist III - High Res Mass Spec

ISS is seeking a Chemist III to work in the Emergency Response Branch at the CDC in Atlanta, GA with High Resolution Mass Spectrometry. The Emergency Response Branch (ERB) develops and performs unique laboratory tests to assess chemical exposures during a public health emergency or terrorist event. In a public health emergency, the rapid detection and accurate identification of causative chemical agents can be crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. ERB measures multiple biomarkers in clinical samples using a variety of analytical techniques. The selected applicant will serve as a team member in the Toxins and Drugs of Abuse Laboratory within ERB providing needed analytical testing, method development, data reporting, and data management skills. The selected applicant will have to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist to develop new non targeted high-resolution LC-MS based methods for detecting and identifying protentional unknown or novel toxins and drugs of abuse
• Assist to develop new qualitative high-resolution LC-MS based methods for confirming exposures to toxins and drugs of abuse
• Serve as primary/secondary responder for CLIA-compliant clinical assays based on high-resolution LC-MS
• Serve as a primary user for high-resolution LC-MS systems
• Maintain a safe working environment and follow applicable safety guidelines
• Maintain a laboratory notebook, prepare project reports, documentation, and slides as needed; and provide support for other program activities, as required
• Report results through scientific presentations and peer-reviewed scientific articles
• Adhere to the universal precautions regarding the handling of biological samples and biological waste
• Adhere to CDC/NCEH/DLS and CLIA 88 guidelines with regard to laboratory protocols and quality control.
• Adhere to the CDC/NCEH/DLS policy of treating all data as confidential.
• Adhere to the CDC/NCEH/DLS and Battelle policy of laboratory safety and security.

THE FOLLOWING IS REQUIRED

• PhD with 1+ years, MS with 4+ years, or BS with 6+ years relevant experience in analytical chemistry, clinical chemistry, metabolomics, clinical forensics, or related scientific fields
• Advanced high-resolution mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography experience 
• Knowledge of advanced sample preparation techniques 
• Experience in clinical method development 
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety 
• Good communication and writing skills
• US citizen, and must be able to obtain a DoD Security Clearance at the Secret Level

THE FOLLOWING IS DESIRED

• Experience with clinical samples (e.g. urine, blood) preferred; experience with alternate biological sample types (e.g., hair, tissue, etc.) or animal models is a plus
• Knowledge of CLIA requirements for clinical laboratories 
• Previous experience working in a CLIA regulated environment is a plus
• Experience in developing methods on automated liquid handlers is a plus