Chemist IV

Job/Position DescriptionChemist IVUnder the minimal supervision of the Clinical Chemistry Branch Manager, plans, directs, and manages the technical resources and activities for high volume testing performed in the Lead Testing team. Reviews and reports test results. Oversees the technical activities of the laboratory including quality assurance. Performs highly advanced clinical laboratory procedures on human whole blood specimens for blood lead. Performs laboratory information management system validation. Responsible for making significant decisions on the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens. Participates in preparing laboratory budgets, assessing equipment needs and incorporating new technologies. Implements process modifications to ensure analytical accuracy is maintained. Implements appropriate corrective actions. Serves as an authority, technical resource, and positive role model. Complies with and enforces the DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal safety guidelines. Duties are performed with extensive latitude to develop and interpret protocols with advanced use of scientific knowledge and judgment. Essential Job FunctionsAttends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.EJF 1. Ensures and maintains accuracy of analytical procedures performed in the Lead Screening Laboratory including specimen acceptability, instrument performance and maintenance, LIMS interface, quality control, reagents and result review through regular reviews of Quality Assurance monitoring parameters. Ensures that all processes are accurate and incorporates check processes to safeguard the verification and accurate reporting of test results. Ensures proper test performance, including instrument calibrations and reagent acceptability. Identifies and investigates discrepancies, implements and documents corrective actions and outcomes in advanced test systems. Maintains and#147;Satisfactoryand#148; ratings on accrediting agenciesand#146; proficiency testing for all testing procedures. Assures that all written protocols are followed and are within the guidelines of the regulatory accreditation agencies, CAP and CLIA. Develops new procedures and/or adjusts existing procedures to maintain testing accuracy. Participates in the review of written protocols annually and ensures changes are documented at the bench level and approved by the Branch Manager. Based on the work area, consistently complies with and enforces the DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. (25%)EJF 2. As the Team Leader, oversees, monitors, and ensures the daily analysis of blood lead specimens is completed within the established time frame. Coordinates the Lead Screening workload in collaboration with all laboratory and support service areas. Coordinates technical workflow schedules with the Special Chemistry Team Leader, including required staff coverage. Performs analysis, result review and approval, including routine and specialized preventive maintenance of highly complex analytical equipment, as needed. Ensures all equipment maintenance is completed per schedule. Identifies problems, performs troubleshooting, makes adjustments, requests vendor support when needed and completes the required documentation for both analytical and laboratory information management system (LIMS) equipment. Ensures that supplies, reagents and equipment are adequately maintained to prevent delay in testing. Ensures equipment, re https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/job_profile.cfm?szOrderID=612247 Copy the URL in the preceding sentence to an Internet Explorer browser to apply to the job directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Career Portal.