Chemist II

Summary

Chemist II perform a variety of duties. These include: providing leadership and mentoring of laboratory technicians, performing analytical testing and sample preparation, operating and maintaining analytical equipment, reporting data, troubleshooting analytical or instrumentation issues, and revising existing procedures. Radiochemists process, measure, and work with radioactive materials on a daily basis in our laboratory spaces.  

Responsibilities

• Review/revise analytical procedures for current and newly developed methods. 
• Provide guidance and technical direction to Laboratory staff.
• Perform laboratory analyses, including use of chemical digestion and separation methods for preparation of samples for counting. 
• Operate requisite laboratory equipment and instruments; record data; maintain, troubleshoot and make minor adjustments to equipment.
• Prepare NIST traceable solutions and reagents following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
• Use standard radiological and laboratory safety precautions to protect self and co-workers.
• Comply with laboratory safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical, radiological, and/or biological agents in the workplace.
• Use proper techniques to avoid contaminating laboratory samples and equipment.
• Monitor inventory levels and purchase orders. Order materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Maintain required laboratory quality assurance and control documentation.
• Prepare, decontaminate and maintain laboratory equipment, glassware, and instruments used in analyses.
• Train and mentor personnel as assigned on laboratory procedures
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• BS degree in Chemistry, Physical or Biological Science. 
• Specific education or experience in radiological counting methods, radiological instrumentation, and radiation safety is desired. 
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in a laboratory environment, with a minimum of 6 months of environmental laboratory experience is required. Six (6) months experience performing radiochemical analyses is preferred. 
• Additional years of experience can be considered in place of a degree. 

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated experience operating laboratory-grade radiological detection equipment is desired. These include gamma spectroscopy systems, gas flow proportional counters, alpha spectroscopy systems, liquid scintillation counters.
• Experience preparing samples using digestion and separation techniques.
• Knowledge of troubleshooting and maintaining laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of the principles necessary to maintain quality control and prevent cross-contamination in an environmental laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of concepts, practices and standard laboratory procedures, including safety procedures, in a laboratory environment.
• Experience using electronic Laboratory Management Information Systems (LIMS).
• Experience using standard radiation counting software applications such as Genie, GammaVision, AlphaVision, and/or Apex, considered a plus.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Graded ability to independently research invalid or inconclusive test results; implement resolution to affect positive results for test analyses.    
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks. 
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team of integrated professionals.
• Ability to maintain the highest safety and ethical standards.
• Ability to use computers to perform mathematical calculations for data reduction and other laboratory applications, including preparation of statistical charts.
• Ability to read, understand, and write laboratory procedures.
• Ability to communicate and effectively interact with co-workers, supervisors, and the public to exchange or convey complex information.

Required Screening

• Drug Screen
• Physical Assessment (if applicable)
• Background Check (Criminal, Civil, Educational, Previous Employment, etc.)

Physical and Working Conditions 

• Ability to stand, sit, bend at the knees and waist, and climb stairs. 
• Ability to lift 50 pounds independently.
• Ability to utilize all physical senses in the workplace.
• Ability to wear PPE including safety glasses, chemical protective clothing, and respiratory protection. 
• Employees may be required to participate in the laboratory spill response program including maintaining HAZWOPER certifications.  
• Ability to participate in occupational related medical surveillance programs as necessary: respiratory protection, beryllium, lead, HAZWOPER. 

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not a complete list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with it. 

TFE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

If you are an applicant with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to use the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact Human Resources at (803) 279-0331 ext. 1 for assistance. Upon receipt of this information, we will respond promptly to obtain more information about your request.