Chemist I

The Food & Drug Protection Division has five functioning sections, including the Food Section, the Dairy Section, the Feed Section, the Drug Section, and the Administrative Services Section. In addition, analytical support is provided to the Food & Feed Sections by the Food & Drug Protection Division’s three laboratory sections, i.e., the Inorganic Chemistry Section, Organic Chemistry Section, and Microbiology Section. The Division protects the health, welfare, and economic interests of consumers of foods, drugs, livestock feeds, fertilizers, and medical devices by ensuring, through inspections and analysis, that these products are wholesome and properly labeled. 

The Organic Chemistry Section analyzes food, animal feed, and agricultural samples for pesticides residues, mycotoxins, and drugs using liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) coupled with various detectors.  The section additionally evaluates the formulation of commercially available pesticides and antifreeze samples.  The Organic Chemistry Section is comprised of four laboratory areas that are defined by technology and analysis type: the Formulations Laboratory; the Mycotoxin Laboratory; the LC Laboratory; and the GC Laboratory.

This Chemist I position is located in the LC Laboratory and is responsible for identifying and quantitating pesticide residues, drugs, poisons, and toxins in food, feed, environmental, and agricultural samples using LC coupled with ultraviolet detectors (UV), diode array detectors (DAD), triple quadrupole mass spectrometers (MS/MS) and high-resolution accurate mass spectrometers (HRAM).  Prior to analysis, this position prepares and extracts samples using various analytical chemistry techniques, including liquid/liquid, solid/liquid and dispersive solid phase extractions.  Additional responsibilities include data review and reporting, instrument verification, and equipment maintenance. All work must comply with the Quality Management System and ISO 17025 requirements.  This position performs other duties as assigned.

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The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provide services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians.  The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees. 

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The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position.  We will not review resumes in lieu of the Experience and Education listed on the application.  

To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:

Job-related experience with at least one of the following: GC coupled with flame ionization detectors (FID) or mass spectrometry (MS); LC coupled with UV detectors, fluorescence detectors, DAD, or MS; ion chromatography (IC); or other computer workstation driven scientific analytical equipment.

Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.

Ability to troubleshoot and repair GC or LC instrumentation.

Ability to express technical information clearly, both written and orally

MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES:

Progressive analytical experience using LC-MS or GC-MS and recent experience analyzing pesticide residues, poisons, drugs, or toxins. 

You may qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience, either through years of education or years of directly related experience, or a combination of both.

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.

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.
  
Please follow the instructions to apply online.  It is important that your application includes all of your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application.  Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.
  
 All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing.  All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment.  If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.  
 
 *Note:  When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *
  
 Questions regarding this posting?  Contact 919-707-3201.

Salary : $50,633 - $70,000