Research Scientist ; Analytical Chemistry

Duties Description

The Research Scientist 3 will serve as the Quality Assurance Officer (QAO) for the Division of Environmental Health Sciences (DEHS), focusing on technical review. This role is responsible for maintaining the Quality Management System across DEHS public health laboratories supporting environmental, food, and cannabis testing, as well as the manufacture and validation of proficiency tests. DEHS supports seven accredited programs across multiple disciplines, including chemistry, microbiology, and asbestos, covering over 75 analytical methods and 500+ parameters.

Programs include accreditation under The NELAC Institute (TNI)/National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP), New York State Environmental Laboratory Approval Program, Environmental Protection Agency certification, Principal State Laboratory under the Safe Drinking Water Act, New Hampshire Environmental Laboratory Approval Program, Office of Cannabis Management, and American Association for Laboratory Accreditation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Non-Competitive: bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences and four years of post-degree professional research experience in an appropriate field.

Substitutions:

• Master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an accredited/regulated laboratory setting, preferably environmental and/or cannabis, including proficiency in the implementation of National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, NYS Office of Cannabis Management, and ISO 17025 requirements including implementation of Quality Management Systems (i.e., document control, corrective and preventive actions, internal/external audits, writing and reviewing Standard Operating Procedures).
• Experience with generation and review of analytical methods and validation plans for environmental and cannabis chemistry laboratories (ideally organic chemistry such as Solid Phase Extraction Complex matrix extractions, Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography, and Tandem Mass Spectrometry) and performing multifaceted reviews of analytical methods for technical accuracy, robustness, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Experience in the review of large analytical data sets to ensure compliance with applicable requirements and ensure suitability, accuracy, and precision of method validation data, perform statistical evaluations, evaluate method detection limits and minimum reporting limits, and evaluate analyst demonstration of capability studies.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications (such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, including designing and validating Excel worksheets to evaluate laboratory data sets) and experience using laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Proven ability to write effectively and speak publicly including leading meetings, providing trainings, and preparing and delivering presentations both internally and externally.

Dependent upon the initial assignment or subsequent reassignment of this position satisfactory background checks may be required. Additionally, exposure to potentially hazardous substances may be involved with this position; the selected candidate may be required to wear personal protective clothing and equipment and may undergo pre-employment and/or periodic health evaluations and receive specific immunizations.

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...

The NYS Department of Health is committed to making New York a safer, healthier, and more equitable place to live. Understanding health equity, social determinants of health and health disparities is…