Scientist III (211743)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Scientist III position for Method Development and Validation for Newborn Screening Laboratory opening in Topeka. This position will develop new analytical methods, perform qualifications and verifications, optimizes current methods, and performs validations in a clinical laboratory environment. Be familiar with federal guidelines and regulations regarding testing, including CLIA requirements and specifications. Knowledgeable regarding statistical analysis of data required. Experienced in writing reports, validations, and SOP’s. Must pay extreme attention to details. Will evaluate and prepare samples for analytical screening.  Will perform and coordinate complex biochemical and immunological analyses to detect infants at risk for genetic conditions. Requires advanced analytical and scientific knowledge to perform duties. A successful candidate will have extensive experience with analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Incumbent must pay extreme attention to details. Evaluate and prepare samples for analytical testing.  Perform and coordinate complex biochemical and immunological analyses to detect infants at risk for genetic disorders.  Cross train in all instrumentation and methodologies in the Neonatal Chemistry Laboratory.  This includes, but is not limited to, Isoelectric Focusing and/or HPLC, AutoDelfia, PCR, Galactosemia, Biotinidase, and MS/MS. The conditions tested include but may not be limited to: Amino Acid disorders (including Phenylketonuria), Fatty Acid disorders, Organic Acid disorders, Hemoglobinopathies, Galactosemia, Biotinidase deficiency, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, and Cystic fibrosis.

Incumbent will develop new analytical methods and perform validations in a clinical laboratory environment. Be familiar with federal guidelines and regulations regarding testing. Knowledgeable regarding statistical analysis of data. Experienced in writing reports, validations, and SOP’s. Be open to ideas and be an active listener.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology or Chemistry or other related fields. Experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency.

Licensing & Certification:

• Valid Driver’s License – Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver’s license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Preferred Qualifications:

Any additional skills, experiences, or qualifications that would be beneficial, but aren’t strictly necessary.

• Master’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Medical Technologist.
• PhD in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Medical Technologist.
• Preferred 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of Chemistry, 6 semester hours of Biology, and twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination.
• Six months of experience in microbiology.
• Two years of experience in a CLIA approved clinical laboratory.
• Two years of experience in a neonatal genetic screening laboratory.
• Understanding of testing through all pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical parameters.
• Understanding of the theory behind the metabolic disorders tested.
• Knowledge and experience in immunofluorescence assays (IFA, ELISA, or EIA) testing formats.
• Understanding of MS/MS.
• Experience with LC Mass spectrometry and HPLC.
• Packing and shipping regulatory experience.
• Leadership/team building experience.
• Epidemiology/Public Health/other collaborative experience.
• Laboratory experience with emphasis in Health Chemistry.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

How to Apply:

Specific instructions for applying, which might include submitting a resume, cover letter, list of references, or completing an online application.

• Please include the Job ID number when emailing.

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes

Employment Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Job Application Process:  Only applications submitted within our State of Kansas Careers Portal will be considered.

• First Sign in or register as a New User at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs
• Complete or update your contact information on the State of Kansas Careers Portal > My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed for each specific job posting.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and submit when it is complete.

–  Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.

• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

–  Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page.

–  Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions.”

Contact Information:

[email protected]