Metals Chemist

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH):

The Indiana Department of Health's mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.

Role Overview:

This position serves as a senior level chemist in the Metals / Chemical Threat / Blood Lead Laboratory of the IDOH Chemistry Laboratories. It performs chemical analyses on various environmental, clinical or food matrices and other materials submitted with minimum supervision. It also acts as Receiving Agent when assigned this duty, assists the supervisor by performing tasks as assigned, and reports directly to the laboratory supervisor.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Perform chemical and physical analysis on various clinical, food, water, environmental or other submitted materials to determine presence and/or level of contaminants or toxic substances using a variety of instruments using management approved procedures.
• Perform analysis using manual or automated instrumentation that meets CLIA, EPA, FDA and/or USDA regulations.
• Adhere to Quality Assurance guidelines.
• Maintain proficiency and technical expertise by passing Proficiency Testing (PT) samples.
• Maintain instrumentation in working order, perform preventative maintenance, and repair on laboratory equipment.
• Complete all required paperwork, maintain instrument logbook, prepare technical reports, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain a safe and uncluttered work area.
• Train and cross train on other analytical procedures within the laboratory.
• Meet testing personnel responsibilities according to the standard for any clinical testing.
• Initiate original applied research activities in the specialty area.
• Maintain instruments in working order; performs preventive maintenance and repair on laboratory equipment.
• Serve as technical expert to other agency staff in a specialty area and regarding analytical results of samples and the analytical systems used.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What Youll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Broad knowledge of principles and practices of analytical, clinical, food, organic, inorganic or radiochemistry.
• Specialized knowledge of related scientific areas such as physics, statistics, biochemistry, and toxicology.
• Extensive technical knowledge of, and ability to operate, highly specialized laboratory equipment
• Practical knowledge of laboratory safety.
• Knowledge of appropriate state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies relative to the specialty area.
• Ability to evaluate procedures and make critical comparisons of methods.
• Ability to appear in court as an expert witness.
• Ability to record technical data and produce reports in a highly regulated setting
• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow quality assurance requirements for producing accurate and defensible data.
• Ability to keep current on new developments in the field and determine relevance to scope of work.

A degree is not required. However, at least 5 years of analytical chemist experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.