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This is a full-time onsite position located at our Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, WA.
The Opportunity:
As the Lead Chemist – Newborn Screening (Chemist 3), you will provide direction for day-to-day operations in the laboratory in collaboration with the laboratory supervisors within the Washington State Public Health Laboratory’s Newborn Screening Program. The Newborn Screening Program conducts screening and follow-up management for genetic disorders for infants born in Washington, Idaho and Hawaii. You will lead the work of assigned technical staff performing a variety of laboratory tests on newborn blood samples to detect metabolic disorders.
You will be responsible for the quality of lab results produced by their designated unit and must have expert knowledge of all aspects of testing including the ability to perform all procedures. You will have signatory responsibility for test results and ensure the analysts working within their unit(s) are adequately trained. You will also manage operational needs such as equipment, budgets, grants, contracts, and laboratory capacity.
This work is an important part of Washington’s disease surveillance and outbreak response system. The laboratory results and technical expertise provided by your teams directly supports the DOH mission of improving the health of infants born in Washington State.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Technical Laboratory Operations & Testing
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative laboratory analyses within assigned units.
- Act as a backup tester and assist in the laboratory when staff is absent or workload is high.
- Serve as shift leader for Saturday and holiday work rotations.
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
- Hold signatory responsibility to assure methods and test conclusions are technically correct.
- Review and report results to the Newborn Screening Follow-up staff.
- Document testing procedures, test results, validation activities, and QA measures.
- Perform technical writing for standard procedures and monthly Quality Control (QC) reports.
Staff Leadership, Training, & Consultation
- Lead, prioritize, and troubleshoot the work of assigned laboratory technical staff.
- Train and assist laboratory staff with testing methods, setups, and procedures.
- Serve as a technical consultant for staff when they perform tests.
- Participate in Lead meetings and staff meetings to collaborate with other lead workers.
Equipment & Inventory Management
- Perform equipment troubleshooting and communicate directly with vendors for support.
- Ensure periodic maintenance is performed and properly documented in current logs.
- Monitor supply and reagent inventory, coordinate with vendors, and order supplies.
Research & Administrative Support
- Lead method development, validation, and research when implementing new test methodologies.
- Coordinate activities with the Laboratory Supervisor to ensure resources are available.
- Handle special projects and other assignments from supervisors, the Lab Coordinator, or the Office Director.
Why You’ll Love This Role:
- You’ll combine hands-on expertise with people leadership, laboratory operations, quality management, and continuous improvement.
- You’ll have the opportunity to strengthen laboratory services by developing staff and introducing methods and processes that improve testing quality and efficiency.
- Your teams’ testing directly contributes to one of the most successful public health initiatives in the USA by identifying rare but treatable disorders to prevent death or severe disability.
- You’ll work alongside laboratory, epidemiology, and public health partners whose combined efforts inform actions to prevent and control disease in Washington communities.
What You Bring:
You are an experienced laboratory professional who seamlessly bridges technical expertise with operational leadership. You understand the importance of quality systems and regulatory requirements, while also looking for practical ways to improve methods, workflows, and laboratory services. You provide clear technical direction, develop staff through coaching and mentorship, and approach performance and operational decisions thoughtfully and consistently. You work effectively across disciplines, value different perspectives and experiences, and understand that reliable laboratory science depends on strong partnerships, cultural humility, and a commitment to serving Washington’s diverse communities.
Minimum 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.
You must meet the personnel qualifications for high-complexity testing in accordance with 42 CFR § 493.1449.
Option 1
- Four (4) years of experience working in a clinical laboratory; experience must also include 1 year in Newborn Screening.
- Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by ABHES or CAAHEP; OR At least three months of documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high-complexity testing.
- Education, Training, and Experience that meets the requirements for high-complexity testing personnel under 42 CFR §493.1489 as follows: At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that includes at least one of the following:
- 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses. OR
- 24 semester hours of science courses that include: 6 semester hours of chemistry; 6 semester hours of biology; and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination.
Option 2
- A bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, medical technology, or another qualifying field that meets the requirements for high-complexity testing personnel under 42 CFR §493.1489.
- AND three (3) years of experience working in a clinical laboratory as follows; experience must also include 1 year in Newborn Screening.
Option 3
- A master’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, medical technology, or another qualifying field that meets the requirements for high-complexity testing personnel under 42 CFR §493.1489.
- AND two (2) years of experience working in a clinical laboratory as follows; experience must also include 1 year in Newborn Screening.
Option 4
- A Doctoral degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, medical technology, or another qualifying field that meets the requirements for high-complexity testing personnel under 42 CFR §493.1489.
- AND one (1) year of experience working in a clinical laboratory as follows; experience must also include 1 year in Newborn Screening.
Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
- Experience performing laboratory testing, including following established testing procedures and evaluating test and quality control results.
- Proficient in troubleshooting laboratory testing processes and instrumentation, including identifying potential testing or equipment issues and taking appropriate action within established procedures.
- Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and quality control principles, including documentation, equipment maintenance, test performance, and corrective action.
- Experience providing technical guidance, training, or support to laboratory staff on testing methods, procedures, instrumentation, or laboratory practices.
- Skilled in reviewing and interpreting laboratory test results for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established testing and quality requirements.
PHL technical personnel who perform testing or other tasks that require the ability to distinguish colors must be evaluated for color discrimination. This evaluation is required to maintain compliance with the Public Health Laboratories’ College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation requirements.
This position may require vaccinations based on potential exposure to laboratory contaminants, as determined by management and applicable laboratory safety requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience performing newborn screening or other high-complexity clinical laboratory testing.
- Experience providing lead-worker support, including coordinating or prioritizing laboratory work, reviewing the work of others, or serving as a technical resource.
- Experience developing, validating, verifying, or implementing laboratory testing methods.
- Advanced experience troubleshooting complex laboratory testing processes or instrumentation.
- Experience developing or revising laboratory procedures, quality control reports, validation documentation, or other technical laboratory documentation.
- Experience working with laboratory vendors, managing laboratory supplies or reagents, or coordinating equipment maintenance.
- Experience serving as a shift lead or providing laboratory operational coverage in the absence of a supervisor.
Employee Benefits
We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond 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.
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.
Working Conditions:
The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Setting:
- Work is performed on-site at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory in Shoreline, Washington.
- The position requires maneuvering and lifting packages and/or materials up to 25 pounds.
- The laboratory environment is noisy, may be stressful, and is fast paced.
- This position requires working with the following:
- Infectious biological material from humans or animals or plants.
- Dried blood (occasionally whole blood) and various laboratory chemicals that can cause illness, skin irritation, or breathing problems.
Schedule:
- The DOH Public Health Laboratory operates Monday through Saturday and most holidays; the individual in this position must participate in the Saturday holiday schedule rotation and Sunday standby rotations.
- This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week; however, the position may be expected to work longer hours to complete projects or assignments, and/or meet business demands and deadlines, and/or during the annual legislative session. An alternative or flexible work schedule may be considered at the employee's request, subject to supervisory approval.
Travel Requirements:
- Travel is not required to perform the duties of this position; however occasional travel may be expected to attend meetings, trainings, or conferences.
- When driving for state business, the employee must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle; OR provide alternate transportation while on state business.
Tools & Equipment:
- Duties require use of incubators, refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges, fume hoods, automatic immunoassay systems, fluorescent readers, pipettes, card punchers, tandem mass spectrometers, conventional and real-time PCR platforms, and other typical lab equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Duties also require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (such as a desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine).
Customer Interactions:
- The position will interact with Newborn screening staff, office director, lead workers, vendors, follow-up staff, support staff, health care providers/customers and staff in other offices in the building.
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.
APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:
We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.
Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).
DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.
Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.
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 prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
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 Kristina Cox, Talent Acquisition Consultant/Recruiter at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8979 in the subject.
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts
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.
Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.
Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective
Description
This is a full-time onsite position located at our Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, WA.
The Opportunity:
As the Lead Chemist – Newborn Screening (Chemist 3), you will provide direction for day-to-day operations in the laboratory in collaboration with the laboratory supervisors within the Washington State Public Health Laboratory’s Newborn Screening Program. The Newborn Screening Program conducts screening and follow-up management for genetic disorders for infants born in Washington, Idaho and Hawaii. You will lead the work of assigned technical staff performing a variety of laboratory tests on newborn blood samples to detect metabolic disorders.
You will be responsible for the quality of lab results produced by their designated unit and must have expert knowledge of all aspects of testing including the ability to perform all procedures. You will have signatory responsibility for test results and ensure the analysts working within their unit(s) are adequately trained. You will also manage operational needs such as equipment, budgets, grants, contracts, and laboratory capacity.
This work is an important part of Washington’s disease surveillance and outbreak response system. The laboratory results and technical expertise provided by your teams directly supports the DOH mission of improving the health of infants born in Washington State.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Technical Laboratory Operations & Testing
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative laboratory analyses within assigned units.
- Act as a backup tester and assist in the laboratory when staff is absent or workload is high.
- Serve as shift leader for Saturday and holiday work rotations.
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
- Hold signatory responsibility to assure methods and test conclusions are technically correct.
- Review and report results to the Newborn Screening Follow-up staff.
- Document testing procedures, test results, validation activities, and QA measures.
- Perform technical writing for standard procedures and monthly Quality Control (QC) reports.
Staff Leadership, Training, & Consultation
- Lead, prioritize, and troubleshoot the work of assigned laboratory technical staff.
- Train and assist laboratory staff with testing methods, setups, and procedures.
- Serve as a technical consultant for staff when they perform tests.
- Participate in Lead meetings and staff meetings to collaborate with other lead workers.
Equipment & Inventory Management
- Perform equipment troubleshooting and communicate directly with vendors for support.
- Ensure periodic maintenance is performed and properly documented in current logs.
- Monitor supply and reagent inventory, coordinate with vendors, and order supplies.
Research & Administrative Support
- Lead method development, validation, and research when implementing new test methodologies.
- Coordinate activities with the Laboratory Supervisor to ensure resources are available.
- Handle special projects and other assignments from supervisors, the Lab Coordinator, or the Office Director.
Why You’ll Love This Role:
- You’ll combine hands-on expertise with people leadership, laboratory operations, quality management, and continuous improvement.
- You’ll have the opportunity to strengthen laboratory services by developing staff and introducing methods and processes that improve testing quality and efficiency.
- Your teams’ testing directly contributes to one of the most successful public health initiatives in the USA by identifying rare but treatable disorders to prevent death or severe disability.
- You’ll work alongside laboratory, epidemiology, and public health partners whose combined efforts inform actions to prevent and control disease in Washington communities.
What You Bring:
You are an experienced laboratory professional who seamlessly bridges technical expertise with operational leadership. You understand the importance of quality systems and regulatory requirements, while also looking for practical ways to improve methods, workflows, and laboratory services. You provide clear technical direction, develop staff through coaching and mentorship, and approach performance and operational decisions thoughtfully and consistently. You work effectively across disciplines, value different perspectives and experiences, and understand that reliable laboratory science depends on strong partnerships, cultural humility, and a commitment to serving Washington’s diverse communities.
Minimum 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.
You must meet the personnel qualifications for high-complexity testing in accordance with 42 CFR § 493.1449.
Option 1
- Four (4) years of experience working in a clinical laboratory; experience must also include 1 year in Newborn Screening.
- Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by ABHES or CAAHEP; OR At least three months of documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high-complexity testing.
- Education, Training, and Experience that meets the requirements for high-complexity testing personnel under 42 CFR §493.1489 as follows: At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that includes at least one of the following:
- 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses. OR
- 24 semester hours of science courses that include: 6 semester hours of chemistry; 6 semester hours of biology; and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination.
Option 2
- A bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, medical technology, or another qualifying field that meets the requirements for high-complexity testing personnel under 42 CFR §493.1489.
- AND three (3) years of experience working in a clinical laboratory as follows; experience must also include 1 year in Newborn Screening.
Option 3
- A master’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, medical technology, or another qualifying field that meets the requirements for high-complexity testing personnel under 42 CFR §493.1489.
- AND two (2) years of experience working in a clinical laboratory as follows; experience must also include 1 year in Newborn Screening.
Option 4
- A Doctoral degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, medical technology, or another qualifying field that meets the requirements for high-complexity testing personnel under 42 CFR §493.1489.
- AND one (1) year of experience working in a clinical laboratory as follows; experience must also include 1 year in Newborn Screening.
Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
- Experience performing laboratory testing, including following established testing procedures and evaluating test and quality control results.
- Proficient in troubleshooting laboratory testing processes and instrumentation, including identifying potential testing or equipment issues and taking appropriate action within established procedures.
- Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and quality control principles, including documentation, equipment maintenance, test performance, and corrective action.
- Experience providing technical guidance, training, or support to laboratory staff on testing methods, procedures, instrumentation, or laboratory practices.
- Skilled in reviewing and interpreting laboratory test results for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established testing and quality requirements.
PHL technical personnel who perform testing or other tasks that require the ability to distinguish colors must be evaluated for color discrimination. This evaluation is required to maintain compliance with the Public Health Laboratories’ College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation requirements.
This position may require vaccinations based on potential exposure to laboratory contaminants, as determined by management and applicable laboratory safety requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience performing newborn screening or other high-complexity clinical laboratory testing.
- Experience providing lead-worker support, including coordinating or prioritizing laboratory work, reviewing the work of others, or serving as a technical resource.
- Experience developing, validating, verifying, or implementing laboratory testing methods.
- Advanced experience troubleshooting complex laboratory testing processes or instrumentation.
- Experience developing or revising laboratory procedures, quality control reports, validation documentation, or other technical laboratory documentation.
- Experience working with laboratory vendors, managing laboratory supplies or reagents, or coordinating equipment maintenance.
- Experience serving as a shift lead or providing laboratory operational coverage in the absence of a supervisor.
Employee Benefits
We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond 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.
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.
Working Conditions:
The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Setting:
- Work is performed on-site at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory in Shoreline, Washington.
- The position requires maneuvering and lifting packages and/or materials up to 25 pounds.
- The laboratory environment is noisy, may be stressful, and is fast paced.
- This position requires working with the following:
- Infectious biological material from humans or animals or plants.
- Dried blood (occasionally whole blood) and various laboratory chemicals that can cause illness, skin irritation, or breathing problems.
Schedule:
- The DOH Public Health Laboratory operates Monday through Saturday and most holidays; the individual in this position must participate in the Saturday holiday schedule rotation and Sunday standby rotations.
- This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week; however, the position may be expected to work longer hours to complete projects or assignments, and/or meet business demands and deadlines, and/or during the annual legislative session. An alternative or flexible work schedule may be considered at the employee's request, subject to supervisory approval.
Travel Requirements:
- Travel is not required to perform the duties of this position; however occasional travel may be expected to attend meetings, trainings, or conferences.
- When driving for state business, the employee must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle; OR provide alternate transportation while on state business.
Tools & Equipment:
- Duties require use of incubators, refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges, fume hoods, automatic immunoassay systems, fluorescent readers, pipettes, card punchers, tandem mass spectrometers, conventional and real-time PCR platforms, and other typical lab equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Duties also require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (such as a desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine).
Customer Interactions:
- The position will interact with Newborn screening staff, office director, lead workers, vendors, follow-up staff, support staff, health care providers/customers and staff in other offices in the building.
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.
APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:
We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.
Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).
DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.
Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.
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 prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
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 Kristina Cox, Talent Acquisition Consultant/Recruiter at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8979 in the subject.
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts
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.
Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.
Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Chemist
Verify your degree field matches the role
USCIS scrutinizes whether your chemistry or biochemistry degree directly relates to the specific Chemist position. A general science degree supporting a specialized analytical chemistry role can trigger an RFE, so align your transcript language with the job description before applying.
Check prevailing wages by specialization and location
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up wage levels for your specific SOC code before negotiating offers. Analytical chemists, organic chemists, and quality control chemists often fall under different wage determinations depending on industry and geographic area.
Target industries with consistent H-1B LCA filings
Pharmaceutical manufacturers, petrochemical companies, and materials testing labs file H-1B petitions for Chemists far more regularly than smaller research firms. Use Migrate Mate to filter employers with verified H-1B filing history in chemistry-related roles before you apply.
Understand cap-exempt employer options in your field
Universities, government-affiliated research institutions, and certain nonprofit research organizations are cap-exempt, meaning your H-1B petition bypasses the annual lottery entirely. Many research chemist positions at national labs or university-affiliated institutes qualify under this exemption.
Prepare a detailed specialty occupation letter early
Your employer's H-1B petition must include a support letter explaining why the Chemist role requires a specific degree. Reference the O*NET occupation profile for Chemists to help your employer document the theoretical and practical chemistry knowledge the position demands.
Clarify licensing requirements before your start date
Some Chemist roles, particularly in environmental testing or forensic labs, require state certifications or DEA registration that take weeks to process. Confirm with your employer whether any licenses must be obtained before USCIS approves your H-1B or before your employment start date.
H-1B Visa Chemist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Chemist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. USCIS classifies Chemist positions as specialty occupations because they normally require at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field. The key factor is that the degree must be directly tied to the role's duties. A general science degree supporting a highly specialized position may require additional documentation to satisfy the specialty occupation standard.
Which industries sponsor H-1B visas most often for Chemists?
Pharmaceutical and biotech companies sponsor the most H-1B petitions for Chemist roles, followed by petroleum refining, specialty chemical manufacturers, and contract research organizations. Environmental testing labs and materials science firms also file regularly. You can search Migrate Mate to browse Chemist openings filtered by employers with active H-1B filing history in your specialization and region.
Can I work as a Chemist at a university on an H-1B?
Yes, and university and government-affiliated research institution positions have a significant advantage: they're cap-exempt. That means your employer can file your H-1B petition at any time of year without entering the annual lottery. Positions at university chemistry departments, national labs, and certain nonprofit research organizations all commonly qualify for cap-exempt status under USCIS rules.
What does the DOL prevailing wage requirement mean for Chemist sponsorship?
Before your employer files your H-1B petition, they must submit a Labor Condition Application to DOL certifying your offered wage meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for your role, specialization level, and work location. You can look up applicable wage levels using the OFLC Wage Search by SOC code. Employers who underpay relative to the certified wage level risk LCA violations and potential DOL audits.
What documents should I prepare to support my H-1B petition as a Chemist?
You'll need official transcripts showing your chemistry or related degree, any graduate diplomas, and a credential evaluation if your degree is from outside the U.S. If you hold professional certifications such as a Certified Chemical Technologist credential or any state laboratory certifications, include those too. Your employer's attorney will typically request a detailed resume and job duties description to build the specialty occupation argument for USCIS.