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Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Public Health Job Classification Title Chemist I (NS) Position Number 60041270 Grade NC14 About Us The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Description of Work The Newborn Screening (NBS) Unit of the NC State Laboratory of Public Health is currently accepting applications for a Chemist I position. The primary purpose of the NBS Unit is to provide timely and accurate testing to identify potentially life-threatening conditions in babies born in North Carolina. Successful candidates in this position will: perform testing on all newborns to detect conditions listed in the state’s Newborn Screening Panel using dried blood spot specimens derived from a heelstick. The position has pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical and general responsibility related to testing, reporting, and ensuring the accuracy and validity of test results. This position will perform routine instrument maintenance, use laboratory information systems (LIMS) to record, retrieve and store results, and perform laboratory processes following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This position also performs QA activities as outlined in SOPs to verify optimal performance of instrumentation and validity of analytical results. QA activities include participating in method validation studies, instrument comparisons, preparation of PT specimens, reviewing QC data from LC-MS/MS instrumentation, investigation, root cause analyses and corrective action/preventative action reports of any non-conforming events, reporting results to the supervisor, and performing and documenting instrument troubleshooting. Work for this position involves direct use of semi- and automated instrumentation, pipetting, and extensive use of computers and computer-driven instrumentation. Work involves use of automatic blood spot punches, data interpretation and application of comprehensive quality assurance protocols and activities. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Grade Range: $50,633.00-$88,607.00 Recruitment Range: $50,633-$65,667 Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred: Employees in this position must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA ’88 personnel requirements for Testing Personnel in a laboratory performing high complexity testing. Applicants must provide copies of their transcript(s) and/or certification(s) to be considered for the position. Knowledge of and experience with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) assays, terminology, and other analytical equipment Proven experience with clinical laboratory procedures and processes, handling potentially infectious materials, and the safety aspects associated with clinical laboratory testing. Demonstrated experience in analytical troubleshooting skills and adequate maintenance of laboratory equipment Working knowledge of the components of a Quality Assurance program and demonstrated skill in monitoring quality controls daily, performing complex data analysis, and preparing report to demonstrate validity of laboratory methods Physical Requirement: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. About the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH): The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) provides statewide medical and environmental laboratory testing, consultation, and training to support public and private health providers. As the state’s reference laboratory, NCSLPH performs specialized testing and supports the development and standardization of lab procedures to ensure accurate, high-quality diagnostics. The Laboratory also certifies milk and water testing facilities and provides training to improve laboratory services statewide. From Acanthamoeba to Zika, NCSLPH plays a vital role in protecting the health of all North Carolinians. Visit slph.ncpublichealth.com Compensation and Benefits: The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit the website for State Benefits. Supplemental Contact Information The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/. DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. Application Process Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers. If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date. Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members. Degree/College Credit Verification Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application. Veterans’ and National Guard Preference Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications. Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. ADA Accommodations Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. CONTACT INFORMATION: If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of progressive chemistry laboratory experience OR An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience. EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices. Recruiter: Yvette Jones Email: talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov YVETTE.JONES@DHHS.NC.GOV North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today! State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.