Overview
This position supports Washington’s chemical incident response and public health preparedness work by providing specialized laboratory testing and technical leadership within the Chemical Incident Response Laboratory. As a Lead Chemist, you will perform advanced analytical testing, maintain instrument readiness, and support rapid response activities for clinical and environmental samples.
Based onsite at the Washington State Public Health Laboratories, this role plays a key part in ensuring accurate, timely testing during routine operations and emergency response events. You will help maintain continuous operational readiness, support quality and accreditation standards, and contribute technical expertise that allows the lab to respond effectively when chemical incidents occur.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead chemical incident response testing for clinical and environmental samples.
Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain advanced analytical instrumentation used in emergency response.
Analyze samples, validate results, and prepare clear, defensible laboratory reports.
Ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance across testing workflows and laboratory processes.
Maintain readiness for 24/7 emergency response and participate in on-call rotations once fully trained.
Monitor lab workflow, manage priorities, and ensure deadlines and response times are met.
Support method validation, instrument verification, and implementation of new testing approaches.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to chemists and laboratory staff.
Maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, and documentation needed for continuous operations.
Why You’ll Love This Role:
Your work directly supports public safety and emergency response statewide.
You will work with cutting-edge analytical technology in a highly specialized lab environment.
You are part of a team trusted to respond during high-stakes situations.
You contribute to a mission that protects communities, first responders, and public health systems.
About Washington Department of Health
At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington health.
