Job Summary

The Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) is seeking a Laboratory Operations Specialist. In this role, you will be responsible for the generation of laboratory test results pertaining to commercial fertilizers, animal feed, and pet food samples.  It requires experience with laboratory operations, including both chemical and physical analyses, and ranges from operating complex instrumentation, performing routine wet chemistry procedures, and utilizing equipment and staff resources.  At the supervisor’s discretion, projects will be prioritized and summarized; however, drawing upon prior experiences and education and working independently with limited supervision is expected.  This will involve communicating with internal staff, program administrators, equipment vendors, service engineers, technical support and peers, and collaborators to accomplish identified goals and objectives.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Actively supporting the day-to-day laboratory operations related to equipment and instrumentation, associated staff, and required resources to complete the testing and research priorities established by the Laboratory Supervisor - lab equipment includes ICP-OES, ICP-MS, combustion analyzers, automated and manual spectrophotometers, plus basic equipment including analytical balances, drying ovens, muffle furnaces, dispensers, sample preparation, etc.
• Conducting wet-chemistry procedures involving multiple sequential steps, ensuring proper sample preparation and execution in accordance with established methods and quality control requirements
• Closely monitoring laboratory equipment to ensure proper operation and performs routine maintenance and repairs and/or works with vendor technical support and service personnel to identify and resolve instrument performance problems
• As problems arise, they are brought to the attention of Supervisor for the determination of complexity and a plan for a timely resolution
• Working with building deputy, and/or maintenance staff to ensure problems are properly resolved
• Generating and evaluating quality control data and recommending adjustments to ensure compliance with stated quality control objectives.  This includes bringing to the attention of the Lab Supervisor and Quality Control Director corrections taken to meet performance objectives
• Supporting the validation and performance qualification of laboratory methods and instrumentation, as well as participation in the AAFCO and Magruder proficiency testing programs as needed or directed
• As needed, investigating the safety requirements (e.g., SDS, literature, etc.) and providing the necessary documentation to ensure compliance and a safe work environment
• Assisting program administrators, laboratory supervisors, fellow laboratory staff, and other internal and external clients with implementing and/or modifying test methods, designing experiments, participating in collaborative studies and drafting Standard Operating Procedures
• As it relates to assigned tasks, providing guidance to staff and student workers.  This includes helping determine what roles staff should have in completing a multi-step assignment based upon the skill and/or job requirements of those involved
• Providing feedback on whether the project is meeting expectations and will be completed on schedule 
• General laboratory housekeeping and adapting to situations as they arise and/or are assigned. Examples include participating in regional and national meetings, helping prepare presentations and publications, and serving on committees and working groups

What We're Looking For:

Laboratory Operations Specialist (P2)

• Bachelor’s degree in general chemistry, applied science, or a related field
• 2 years of relevant experience. Including: Working with instrumentation such as ICP-OES, combustion analyzers, automated spectrophotometers or related instruments and techniques; Working in a production laboratory environment such as a state or commercial laboratory
• Applied familiarity with laboratory operations regarding instrumentation, staff utilization, chemistry, and method validation
• Basic spreadsheet experience
• Familiarity with a Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or comparable laboratory data management system 

Senior Laboratory Operations Specialist (P3)

• Bachelor’s degree in general chemistry, applied science, or a related field
• 4 years of relevant experience. Including: Working with instrumentation such as ICP-OES, combustion analyzers, automated spectrophotometers or related instruments and techniques; Working in a production laboratory environment such as a state or commercial laboratory
• Applied familiarity with laboratory operations regarding instrumentation, staff utilization, chemistry, and method validation
• Basic spreadsheet experience
• Familiarity with a Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or comparable laboratory data management system 

Nice to Have:

• Familiarity with quality control and/or laboratory certification programs such as ISO 17025 and/or AL2A accreditation 

What We'd Like You to Know:

• This position will be filled as Laboratory Operations Specialist or as a Senior Laboratory Operations Specialist. The hiring manager will determine the job level based on the skills, experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check and MVR check is required for employment in this position
• Please attach the names and email addresses of at least three (3) references. As the application review process moves forward, an e-Reference form may be sent to the references for completion
• FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Career Stream

Professional 2 or 3

P2

Pay Band S065
Link to Purdue University's compensation guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
Job Code #20003177
Link to Career Path Maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

P3

Pay Band S075
Link to Purdue University's compensation guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
Job Code #20003178
Link to Career Path Maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university