Lead Chemist –Newborn Screening

Overview

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.