Associate Chemist

Smithers Environmental Risk Sciences division is seeking applicants for a full-time Associate Chemist at our Wareham, MA location.

Please Note:  This is a full-time temporary assignment with the possibility of becoming a regular full-time role.

In general, the position is expected to perform a variety of routine tasks and often complex and difficult procedures independently and under supervision, in support of the conduct of normal laboratory operations. Individual is expected to detect and report problems in standardized procedures due to instrumental, sample, or test system failures. The position performs a variety of routine, laboratory-based procedures and is responsible for understanding and routinely performing applicable Standard Operating Procedures, study-specific protocol procedures, and other laboratory assignments. This often includes recording instrument and apparatus readings on standard forms, preparation of test systems and recording and compiling laboratory data in real time in a complete and thorough manner for individual assignments.  The position is also responsible for maintaining cleanliness of the labs, storage and chamber areas as well as executing regular maintenance/calibration of equipment used on a regular basis. Employees are responsible for understanding and adhering to all safety and Good Laboratory Practice regulations as well as company policies. Duties are performed with minimal supervision.

The Individual will be involved in specific environmental fate and metabolism studies but not limited to the following: water/sediment/soil metabolism, activated sludge biodegradation, plant and animal metabolism, hydrolysis/photolysis, and adsorption/desorption testing. Activated sludge and soil toxicity tests are also possible along with microbial plate counting. Participation will include test system set-up, working with radiolabeled test substances, using oxidizers and LSC counters as well as HPLC-RAM and possibly TLC-RAM. Usage of additional analytical equipment may include respirometers and Shimadzu TOC instruments.

Job Duties

1. Completion of standard procedures requiring precision and accuracy in support of laboratory operations and projects, as outlined in the department’s skill matrix for this job level
2. Must be able to effectively use balances, meters, pumps, stir plates, funnels, pipets, burets, heating plates, fume hoods and other standard laboratory equipment.
3. Must be able to execute various glassware-cleaning procedures used in the laboratory.
4. Must be able to work with environmental samples such soils, plant tissue, animal tissues, water and sediment.
5. Must be able to work with test compounds (includingradiolabeled materials), solvents, detergents, acids, bases, resins, silicones and activated carbon.
6. Must be able to keep detailed, organized records and complete required documentation for the associated tests, in "real time."
7. Must be able to execute Standard Operating Procedures.
8. Must become familiar with study protocols and testing procedures.
9. Must become familiar with identifying equipment and study-related problems, bringing them to the attention of supervisor for resolution.
10. Will assist in compilation of data books.
11. Data entry on a computer and verifying for acceptable extractability and material balance, in real-time, and decide if a repeat analysis or additional extraction is warranted.
12. Must understand and execute appropriate disposal of liquid and solid wastes.
13. Be able to use a Geiger counter for laboratory wipe test and checking for potential radioactive contamination.
14. Must be able to travel to facilities outside of Wareham laboratory to collect or process samples.
15. Be able to perform duties with respirator on an as-needed basis.
16. Be able to work more than 8 hours per day, as needed, as well as on weekend days if required.
17. Additional duties as assigned.
18. Ability to stand for long periods of time, function in a noisy work environment with frequent interruptions, and to reach to low and high storage areas and test systems.

Physical Functions

Sitting - 50%

Standing - 85%

Reaching - 5%

Lifting, pushing, pulling, pinching

Grasping, pipetting - 25%

Walking - 15%

Writing - 15%

Visual - 100%

Chemical Safety

1. Must be able to comprehend the potential hazards of the chemicals in use and adhere to the proper safety techniques as dictated by the Safety Manual and/or Management.

Laboratory Safety

1. Must be able to wear gloves, lab coat, eye protection, sleeves, hearing protection, pesticide suit, plastic booties, dust masks, a respirator and a face mask.
2. Must be able to understand and follow laboratory safety standards.

Job Specifications

B.S. degree in chemistry or related field and 6 months of laboratory experience is preferred. In lieu of a degree, 4-5 years of relevant experience in a laboratory setting preferred.

Full-time temporary role at $23/hr, with the possibility of becoming a regular full-time role. 

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