Salary: $57,700.00 - $60,800.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 188668
Agency: Department of Public Health
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 6/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: ED12
Position Number:: 61006564
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN10
Hiring Range - Min.: $57,700.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $60,800.00
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: If you meet the requirements of the position and would like to be considered, you must submit a state application online. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A résumé and a legal writing sample must be attached to the application. Only the application will be reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the minimum qualifications for the position, but the quality of the application presented (completeness and accuracy as well as grammar and spelling), including the quality of the applicant's résumé and legal writing sample, will be considered prior to the offer of an interview. Supplemental questions are considered part of the application and must be completed. A criminal records check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the stated closing date.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities
Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity
Performs analyses of biological specimens for CDC defined chemical terrorism agents in support of the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant program. Liaison with the CDC Division of Laboratory Services Areas which are currently performing this type of testing. Assure full documentation of methods selected and of their validation. Perform qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses of and experiments with inorganic and organic substances.
Performs high complexity analysis of clinical specimens for exposure to chemical threat agents in support of the CDC's Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement. Performs quantitative chemical analysis and interprets highly complex and varied analytical chemistry procedures for inorganic and organic substances. Conducts specimen preparation and analytical procedures for the detection and monitoring of trace levels of chemical agents associated with, but not limited to chemical terrorism and incidental exposures. Chemical threats include, but are not limited to blistering agents, cyanide, heavy metals, nerve agents, ricin, and Lewisite. Performs analytical procedures using Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Liquid Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS), and/or High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS).

Develop, validate, and implement CDC approved chemical toxic agent methods in the areas of chemical terrorism and biomonitoring/biosurveillance. Perform scientific mathematical calculations, prepare reports, and effectively communicate data/results to colleagues and stakeholders. Strictly adhere to and maintain quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols and all safety regulations. Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation and equipment. Learn and utilize LIMS and other software used by the Public Health Laboratory. Work closely with senior chemists on method selection, development, and improvement projects. Maintain a clean lab and work environment. Monitor supply inventories and expendables. Periodically attend meetings, trainings, and conferences related to work.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
Agency Additional Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers; or a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences with academic credits in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers. A doctorate in chemistry may be substituted for the required work experience.
Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Preferred Qualifications
A Master's Degree in Chemistry with at least one (1) year of experience working with analytical instrumentation and equipment including one or more of the following: LC-MS/MS, GC/MSD, ICP-MS, and/or HRMS with emphasis on analytical chemistry. A PhD in Chemistry. A strong background in Mass Spectrometry (MS), method development, separation science, instrument software, coding, and computers is highly desired. Preference given to those with toxicology and clinical analytical chemistry experience. Ability to perform public speaking. Experience with HRMS highly desired.

Additional Comments
EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
15 days Sick Leave per year
13 Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click for additional information.
S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
Retirement benefit choices *
- State Retirement Plan
- State Optional Retirement Program

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
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Employment Authorization and Visa Sponsorship Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of their employment. This agency does not sponsor employment-based visas, including but not limited to H-1B visas, nor does it provide sponsorship for permanent residency or other employment-based immigration benefits now or in the future. Individuals who are authorized to work in the United States under Optional Practical Training (OPT) through a valid F-1 student visa may apply, provided they possess current employment authorization and do not require employer sponsorship to continue working in the United States at any point during employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of identity and eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with federal law. This agency complies with all applicable federal employment eligibility verification requirements. By submitting this application, I certify that I am legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require employer sponsorship for a work visa now or at any time during employment.

Do you have a bachelor's degree in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers?

Please describe your experience working with analytical instrumentation such as LC-MS/MS, GC/MSD, ICP-MS, or HRMS. Include the type of instruments you've used and the types of analyses you've performed.
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Briefly describe your experience with Method Development.
05

Do you possess working knowledge of public health policies and procedures, including grant writing and budget preparation?

Are you willing to accept a salary within the agency's hiring range of $57,700 - $60,800?

Which of the following best describes your relevant work experience?

No relevant experience
1-2 Years
3-5 Years
5+ Years
Equivalent combination of education and experience

Are you currently working for or have ever worked for South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) or South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH)?

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. The application and not an attached resume will be reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and understand this statement.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. I have read and understand this statement.

If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. I have read and understand this statement.

How did you hear about this position?

State NEOGOV Website ([click to reveal website link]www.careers.sc.gov)
LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook
Employee Referral/Agency Recruiter
College Job Board
Job Fair
External Job Board (SC Works, Indeed, Association)
Other

Required Question

Chemist II - 61006564

Chemist II - 61006564

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