Salary: $5,644.80 - $7,585.20 Monthly
Location : King County - Shoreline, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: DOH9033
Department: Dept. of Health
Division: Public Health Laboratories (PHL)
Opening Date: 11/10/2026
Closing Date: 11/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Chemist 2, Newborn Screening Laboratory

This is a full-time onsite position located at our Public Health Laboratory in Shoreline, WA.

The Opportunity

As a Chemist in the Newborn Screening Laboratory, you will perform specialized laboratory testing and analysis of newborn blood specimens to identify heritable disorders that can affect an infant's health and development. Working in a high-volume, CLIA-certified laboratory, you will use advanced analytical instruments and biochemical testing methods to measure chemical components, evaluate results, and identify abnormal findings that may require additional testing. Your work is essential to Washington's Newborn Screening Program, helping ensure infants with treatable conditions are identified as early as possible so they can receive appropriate follow-up care.
Key Responsibilities Include:

Perform chemical and biochemical testing of newborn blood specimens using analytical instruments and methods, including tandem mass spectrometry, chromatography, immunoassays, electrophoresis, and other laboratory techniques.
Analyze test results, evaluate abnormal findings, and conduct additional testing to investigate questionable results and determine whether further analysis is needed.
Monitor quality control and quality assurance measures to ensure testing accuracy, reliability, and compliance with laboratory standards.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment, addressing issues that could affect testing accuracy or workflow.
Prepare and evaluate newborn blood specimens for testing, including sorting, assessing specimen suitability, and preparing samples for initial and repeat testing.
Prepare laboratory reagents, standards, and quality control materials, and monitor supply inventory to maintain testing operations.
Maintain laboratory records, document test results, prepare routine reports, and provide backup testing and quality control support for other screening areas.
Contribute to laboratory improvements by assisting with procedure updates, evaluating new testing technologies, and participating in method verification and validation projects.

Why You'll Love This Role

This position offers the opportunity to apply your laboratory expertise to work that has a direct and lasting impact on infant health. You'll be part of a specialized public health laboratory team responsible for identifying treatable conditions early in life, helping families access timely follow-up care and giving infants across Washington a healthier start.
The Ideal Candidate

You are a detail-oriented laboratory professional who takes pride in producing accurate, reliable testing results. You approach complex testing and troubleshooting with analytical thinking, sound judgment, and a commitment to quality. You work well independently while contributing to a collaborative laboratory environment, understand the importance of established testing procedures, and recognize how your work supports the health of infants and families across Washington.

Required Qualifications

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.
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 years of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory.
Option 3: Master's degree in chemistry, microbiology; AND six (6) or more months of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory
And the following knowledge skills and experience:

Experience performing chemical, biochemical, or analytical testing in a laboratory setting.
Experience operating analytical laboratory instruments to conduct testing and measure chemical or biochemical components.
Experience preparing and processing laboratory specimens and evaluating their suitability for testing.
Knowledge of laboratory quality control procedures, including monitoring test performance, identifying irregular results, and documenting findings.
Experience documenting, evaluating, and maintaining laboratory test results and records.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience performing biochemical testing on biological specimens, such as blood or dried blood spots.
Experience using analytical methods such as tandem mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), immunoassays, electrophoresis, Molecular or biochemical assays.
Experience performing laboratory testing in a clinical, diagnostic, public health, or CLIA-certified laboratory.
Experience using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or other laboratory testing software.
Experience troubleshooting analytical instruments and performing routine equipment maintenance.
Experience preparing laboratory reagents, standards, and quality control materials.
Experience supporting laboratory method verification, validation, or implementation of testing procedures.

Employee Benefits

We want you to have the support and benefits you need to do your best work while building a career that fits your life. As a DOH employee, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, with resources to support you now and help you plan for the future. Learn more about DOH benefits and what it's like to work with us by visiting Work@Health.
The Public Health Laboratories

Where Science Protects Communities
At the Public Health Laboratories, every test matters. From hunting emerging pathogens to ensuring every newborn in the state gets life-saving screenings, your work will drive disease detection, outbreak response, and protect Washington's most vulnerable. We're the state's reference lab, tracking rare threats like rabies, hantavirus, and West Nile virus, analyzing outbreaks, and safeguarding food and water safety. Here, science meets service in a collaborative, equity-driven team committed to real-world impact and public health at scale.
The Newborn Screening Laboratory performs specialized testing on newborn blood spot specimens to identify rare but serious and treatable health conditions. Through advanced laboratory science, quality testing, and collaboration with health care providers and follow-up teams, we help ensure babies across Washington receive timely identification and care for conditions that could otherwise go undetected. Our work plays an important role in giving Washington's youngest residents a healthier start in life.
About the Washington State Department of Health

We're nearly 2,700 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience.

At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Our work depends on people who take action to learn and grow and who take action to meet the needs of others every day, in service of a healthier Washington. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.
What to Expect (Working Conditions):

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Setting: This position works on-site at the Washington State Department of Health Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline, WA. The laboratory environment is fast-paced, noisy, and may be stressful, particularly during public health emergency response activities. The position involves working with dried blood specimens and various laboratory chemicals, including flammable, toxic, and carcinogenic reagents and cleaning supplies that may cause illness, skin irritation, or respiratory problems. Appropriate safety procedures and personal protective equipment must be used to minimize exposure to biological and chemical hazards.

Schedule: The DOH Public Health Laboratories operate Monday through Saturday, with regular laboratory hours from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. An alternate or flexible work schedule may be considered at the employee's request, subject to supervisory approval. This position participates in a rotating Saturday and holiday work schedule, as the laboratory operates most holidays. Occasional work beyond 40 hours per week may be required to meet business needs, with advance notice from the supervisor when possible.

Travel Requirements: Travel is not routinely required to perform the duties of this position; however, occasional or infrequent travel may be necessary to attend meetings, training, or conferences. When driving for state business, the employee must be legally authorized to operate a state or privately owned vehicle or arrange alternate transportation.

Tools & Equipment: This position uses a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment, including incubators, refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges, fume hoods, Autodelfias, fluorescent readers, pipettes, card punchers, tandem mass spectrometers, conventional and real-time PCR platforms, and other standard laboratory equipment. The position also uses personal protective equipment, computers, copiers, printers, and fax machines.

Customer Interactions: This position regularly interacts with internal and external customers, including agency staff, managers, supervisors, legislators, Governor's Office staff, local health jurisdictions, federal government representatives, the State Board of Health, external partners, and statewide professional associations. These interactions may occur in a variety of settings to exchange information, coordinate work, and support laboratory and public health program operations.

Other: This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment. This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.
We Encourage You to Apply

If you meet the required qualifications for this position; we want to hear from you. Preferred qualifications describe additional experience, knowledge or skills that may be helpful in the role, but they are not required to be considered for the position. We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives.

Application Directions

To be considered, you must complete the online application in full and submit all required materials. Incomplete applications or applications missing required materials will not be considered. When completing your application, please include the following required materials:

Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
Three (3) professional references: References must be entered directly into the designated references section of your application or attached as a separate document. At least one reference must be a current or recent supervisor.

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.

Veterans Preference: We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans' preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must attach your applicable DD-214, NGB Form 22, or other equivalent discharge or separation documentation. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve. DOH is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, the presence or perception of a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Shawnelle Goalder at [click to reveal email address]employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8903.
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at [click to reveal phone number]1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
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Supplemental Information
This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

To be considered, please follow the application instructions and complete all required application materials. Information provided in your supplemental question responses, including education and experience, must be supported by your applicant profile.

This position is located in King County. The advertised pay includes a 5% location-based salary adjustment.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status? (e.g. H-1B, F1, TN, etc.) DOH is not an E-Verify agency)

Are you currently employed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)? If yes, please include your personnel number in Question #3 of the "agency questions" above

This position is open to residents of Washington State and those living in Oregon and Idaho only. Please select the response that applies to you:

a. I am a resident of Washington State.
b. I currently reside in Oregon or Idaho.
c. I do not reside in Washington, Oregon or Idaho, but I am willing to relocate.
d. I do not reside in Washington, Oregon or Idaho, and I am unwilling to relocate.

I have the following qualifications (select one):

a. Five (5) or more years of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory.
b. 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 years of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory.
c. Master's degree in chemistry, microbiology; AND six (6) or more months of experience performing chemical or molecular analysis in an analytical laboratory
d. None of the above

How would you describe your experience performing chemical, biochemical, or analytical testing in a laboratory setting?

a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
c. I have independently performed this activity.
d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

How would you describe your experience operating analytical laboratory instruments to conduct testing and measure chemical or biochemical components?

a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
c. I have independently performed this activity.
d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

How would you describe your experience preparing and processing laboratory specimens and evaluating their suitability for testing?

a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
c. I have independently performed this activity.
d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

How would you describe your knowledge of laboratory quality control procedures, including monitoring test performance, identifying irregular results, and documenting findings?

a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this skill.
b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
c. I have the knowledge needed to independently apply this information in my work.
d. I have advanced knowledge in this area and can independently apply that knowledge in complex or non-routine situations.

How would you describe your experience documenting, evaluating, and maintaining laboratory test results and records?

a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
c. I have independently performed this activity.
d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

How would you describe your experience performing biochemical testing on biological specimens, such as blood or dried blood spots?

a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
have independently performed this activity.
d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

How would you describe your experience using analytical methods such as tandem mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), immunoassays, electrophoresis, or molecular or biochemical assays?

a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
c. I have independently performed this activity.
d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

How would you describe your experience performing laboratory testing in a clinical, diagnostic, public health, or CLIA-certified laboratory?

a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
c. I have independently performed this activity.
d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

How would you describe your experience using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or other laboratory testing software?

a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
c. I have independently performed this activity.
d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

How would you describe your experience troubleshooting analytical instruments and performing routine equipment maintenance?

a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
c. I have independently performed this activity.
d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

How would you describe your experience preparing laboratory reagents, standards, and quality control materials?

a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
c. I have independently performed this activity.
d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

How would you describe your experience supporting laboratory method verification, validation, or implementation of testing procedures?

a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
c. I have independently performed this activity.
d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

I have reviewed my responses to the supplemental questions for accuracy and understand they cannot be changed once the job announcement closes.

Required Question

Chemist 2, Newborn Screening Laboratory DOH9033

Chemist 2, Newborn Screening Laboratory DOH9033

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