Laboratory Scientist - Clinical Organic Unit

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Laboratory Scientist – Clinical Organic Unit

Salary: $25.03 – $42.18 / Posted Thru: 1/19/2026

100% In‑Office – State Lab in Lansing, Michigan

The Laboratory Scientist in this position provides laboratory analytical support for the Clinical Chemistry Section. The section analyzes human specimens, biological samples, and other epidemiologically important samples for drugs and adulterants, organic pollutants, heavy metals, environmental contaminants, and metabolites of chemical warfare agents. The incumbent performs a full range of laboratory scientist assignments involving analysis with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), and other methodologies, including data review and result reporting.

The Scientist supports method development and validation, following validation plans and writing validation summary reports, and reviews written procedures, practices, and policies.

Perform analysis of human specimens and various matrices for trace quantities of controlled substances, PCBs, pesticides, PFAS, and other organic chemicals and environmental contaminants to support drug‑checking, biomonitoring, surveillance projects, and public‑health emergency preparation. The analysis includes sample preparation, qualitative and quantitative instrumental analysis, ensuring accurate data and timely reporting. This duty follows established procedures, practices, and policies of the section.

• Sample preparation for GC or LC systems coupled with MS, MS/MS, QTOF, including extraction, cleanup, and column chromatography.
• Preparation and aliquoting of analytical standards from stock solutions, reagents, and QC samples.
• Use and knowledge of instrument data‑analysis software for acquisition, processing, and report generation.
• Monitoring and replacement of condensing and instrument gases.
• Prepare detailed written reports of laboratory data and results, archiving and reporting them.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, up‑to‑date records of all work performed.
• Review specimen results for accuracy and ensure QC requirements are met before submission.
• Ensure proper disposal of biological and chemical waste.
• Follow laboratory protocols for universal precautions, safety, infection control, chemical hygiene, and hazardous‑material handling.

Support development of new laboratory procedures and maintain existing methods. Work with other scientists to implement method validation studies, review and update procedures annually, and evaluate/modify current methods as needed. This duty follows established procedures, practices, and policies.

• Review scientific literature, technical bulletins, and government documents on current and future laboratory procedures and methods.
• Assist in organizing, planning, and performing laboratory studies for method development, evaluation, and validation.
• Prepare laboratory reports documenting method development and validation activities.
• Participate in reviews of development, evaluation, and validation studies.
• Maintain detailed records of all development, evaluation, and validation studies.
• Write detailed laboratory procedures according to guidelines.
• Ensure proper disposal of biological and chemical waste materials.
• Follow universal‑precaution and safety protocols.

Troubleshoot analytical instrument performance issues, maintain instrument performance through preventative maintenance, monitor equipment for proper function, and keep maintenance records.

• Troubleshoot instrument performance issues and assist colleagues.
• Perform preventative maintenance, including source/detector and column/inlet maintenance, vacuum system upkeep, and general lab cleanliness.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, up‑to‑date records of all performed.
• Monitor instrumentation and equipment for satisfactory performance under QC requirements.
• Ensure adequate inventory of consumables, reagents, and instrument gases.
• Follow…