Chemist II

Job Summary

Battelle is seeking a Chemist to work in the Emergency Response Branch (ERB) at the CDC. The ERB develops and performs unique laboratory tests to assess chemical exposures during a public health emergency or terrorist event. In a public health emergency, rapid detection and accurate identification of causative chemical agents is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. The selected applicant will serve as a team member in the Toxins and Drugs of Abuse Laboratory (TDAL) within ERB, providing analytical testing, method development, data reporting, and data management.

The applicant must obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.

• Assist in developing new LC-MS/MS based methods for confirming exposures to toxins and drugs of abuse.
• Draft technical communication documents including protocols, logbooks, meeting minutes, project updates, presentations, and CLIA documents.
• Maintain a safe working environment and follow applicable safety guidelines.
• Participate in scheduled meetings and provide updates to ensure project progression.
• Maintain LC-MS and other instrumentation with logs detailing the performance and functioning of laboratory instruments.
• Obtain training and provide assistance with projects in other areas that meet the need of the group but remain in the scope of the assignment.
• Provide branch support for procurement, inventory, sample storage, laboratory automation, and exercise/event logistics.
• Maintain a laboratory notebook, prepare project reports, documentation, and slides as needed; and provide support for other program activities as required.
• Report results through scientific presentations and peer-reviewed scientific articles.
• Adhere to the universal precautions regarding the handling of biological samples and biological waste.
• Adhere to CDC/NCEH/DLS and CLIA 88 guidelines with regard to laboratory protocols and quality control.
• Adhere to the CDC/NCEH/DLS policy of treating all data as confidential.
• Adhere to the CDC/NCEH/DLS and Battelle policy of laboratory safety and security.

• Bachelor’s degree with 2–5 years or MS with 0–2 years relevant experience, or PhD with 0–2 years’ experience in chemistry, biochemistry or related scientific field.
• Experience with using mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography.
• Knowledge of advanced sample preparation techniques.
• Experience in clinical method development.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety.
• Good communication and writing skills.
• Experience with literature searching, data summarization, and report preparation.
• Must be able to obtain a DoD Security Clearance at the Secret Level.

• Experience with clinical samples (e.g. urine, blood) preferred; experience with alternate biological sample types (e.g., hair, tissue, etc.) or animal models is a plus.
• Knowledge of CLIA requirements for clinical laboratories.
• Previous experience working in a CLIA regulated environment is a plus.
• Experience in developing methods on automated liquid handlers is a plus.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule:
  Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement:
  You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in‑office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in‑office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge:
  You get paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness:
  Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together:
  Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future:
  Build financial stability with an industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your…