Scientist II
State of Nebraska

Job Info

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Description
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Feed, Fertilizer and Agricultural Lime (FFAL) Laboratory tests raw commodities and manufactured products to verify product label guarantees and to protect animal and human health. This Scientist position performs analytical chemistry methods on commercial animal feeds to detect drug/antibiotic residues and complex sample preparation for mycotoxin testing. Test results support the Nebraska Commercial Feed Program, which ensures feed is wholesome and honestly prepared to protect public and animal health and to prevent consumer fraud. Lab work is performed under a quality management system with specific adherence to ISO 17025 to ensure legal defensibility of test results.

The NDA offers a complete compensation package that includes:
• Workplace flexibility
• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave equating to 27 days your first year, accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PLSF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

Location of position: 3703 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68502
Examples of Work
Work effectively as a teammate under limited supervision to complete assigned tasks in accordance with established lab workflow:
- Perform screening and confirmatory analysis of feed products for drugs, residues and other substances using the techniques of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultraviolet-visible spectrometry (UV-Vis)
- Perform ISO 17025 on-scope test methods for Aflatoxin and Monensin
- Perform and conduct fat analysis using Soxtec fat extractor and acid hydrolysis unit.
- Operate, maintain, verify, and calibrate lab instruments for feed testing
- Research, develop, and implement new HPLC methods as needed
- Perform quality control, method validation
- Act as Sample Custodian to maintain chain of custody of regulatory samples
- Split and grind samples for screening and confirmation testing
- When needed, perform troubleshooting on instruments, techniques, etc.
- Write standard operating procedures for instrument operations, analytical methods, and reagent preparations
- Submit requests to order lab supplies and follow in-house chemical inventory procedures
- Maintain accurate records of all work performed and backup electronic data, as needed, for traceability
- Review test data and lab records of teammates
- As Lead worker, train new colleagues to perform lab test methods or assigned tasks
- Adhere to recordkeeping, training, and other requirements of the NDA Laboratory Quality Management System
- Provide backup assistance to Feed and Fertilizer team to cover workload needs
- Follow safety and emergency action procedures; suggest improvements to existing practices
- Other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.
Qualifications / Requirements
REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree with major in chemistry, biology or related field OR Post high school coursework/training in chemistry, biology or related field AND three years of experience in a scientific laboratory.

PREFERRED: Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, biochemistry, animal science or related field of study with experience in analytical chemistry.

OTHER: Regular and reliable attendance.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of: the principles, methods, and practices of chemistry or biochemistry; agency laboratory procedures and protocol; laboratory safety and sanitation practices; agency and laboratory organization and priorities; principles of training and leadership; routine laboratory operations and workflow; quality management principles; advanced knowledge of lab instrumentation, operation, and calibration; information sources and research literature pertinent to agency chemical analysis functions; techniques of training and leading others.

Skill in: applying analytical principles and performing analyses; reviewing scientific literature for analytical method references; operating computers and laboratory instruments; interpreting and/or troubleshooting laboratory results; calculating mathematical and statistical problems; maintaining laboratory instruments and work environment in a safe and operable condition; summarizing findings and conclusions of tests and analyses into technical laboratory reports; reviewing the work of other chemists; instructing other laboratory staff in laboratory policies and procedures; the technical repair of specialized equipment beyond routine maintenance and calibration.

Ability to: communicate effectively; interact with laboratory staff and the public; understand and follow supervisory instructions, equipment operation manuals, and safety policies; design and evaluate agency laboratory testing and analysis procedures, guidelines, and standards; compare the specifications of laboratory equipment, instruments, and materials to agency product standards; advise representatives of other organizations and local agencies on the technical practices and standards of a laboratory function; instruct other laboratory staff in the policies, procedures, and standards of a laboratory function; set work priorities and schedules for other laboratory staff; delegate tasks to others.

This job has expired.