Shoreline, Washington
Sacramento, California
California, California
Sacramento , California
Richmond, California
Richmond, California
Shoreline, Washington
Shoreline, Washington
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tumwater, Washington
Sacramento , California
Richmond, California
Fresno , California
Shoreline, Washington
Hartford, Connecticut
Posted: 21-Jan-26
Location: Shoreline, Washington
Type: Full Time
Salary: $5,271.00 - $7,082.00 Monthly
Categories:
Internal Number: DOH8803
The Opportunity
The Washington State Department of Health plays a critical role in protecting the health of newborns across the state. This position supports that mission by performing hands-on laboratory testing that helps identify treatable genetic and metabolic conditions early, when intervention matters most.
As a Chemist 2 in the Newborn Screening Laboratory (NBS), you will independently conduct high-volume testing of newborn blood samples using advanced laboratory techniques and instrumentation. Your work directly supports timely, accurate screening results that impact families and health care providers statewide in Washington as well as in Idaho and Hawaii, as we are the regional testing NBS lab for those states too. This is an on-site laboratory role due to the nature of the work.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform chemical and biochemical testing on newborn dried blood specimens in a high-volume laboratory environment
- Operate and troubleshoot both routine and complex laboratory instruments and automated systems
- Analyze and interpret test results using laboratory software and information management systems
- Monitor quality control and quality assurance parameters to ensure reliable and accurate results
- Prepare specimens, reagents, controls, and materials needed for testing
- Maintain detailed records of testing activities, results, and inventory
- Support laboratory operations through equipment maintenance, reporting, and process improvements
- Provide backup testing support and collaborate with team members to meet program needs
Option 1: Five (5) or more years of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory.
Option 2: Bachelor's degree in chemistry, microbiology, or a health-related field which includes 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of chemistry and at least one course and one lab in molecular biology; AND two or more years of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory.
Option 3: Master’s degree in chemistry or microbiology; AND at least six (6) months of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory
Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience:
- Proficient using standard desktop software such as word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and file storage on shared network servers.
- Demonstrated proficiency in operating and troubleshooting laboratory instruments (e.g. tandem mass spectrometers, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems, electrophoresis equipment, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and other common lab equipment/techniques).
- Skilled in applying quality improvement tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and overall quality.
- Familiarity with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures.