Job Description
Lead Shellfish Biotoxin Chemist (Chem 3) DOH8925 This is a full-time onsite position located at our Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, WA. The salary range listed reflects the 2% general wage increase scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026.
THE OPPORTUNITY
As the Lead Shellfish Biotoxin Chemist, you will lead laboratory testing that helps protect people from exposure to harmful toxins and contaminants in shellfish harvested from Washington waters. This role serves as the technical lead for the Biotoxin Laboratory within the Public Health Laboratories, overseeing the analysis of shellfish samples, maintaining laboratory quality systems, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements. You will coordinate daily laboratory operations, provide technical leadership to chemists and laboratory technicians, and perform complex chemical analyses using advanced instrumentation, including HPLC, HPLC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS. You will also oversee quality assurance activities, troubleshoot analytical and operational challenges, validate laboratory methods, review and approve analytical results, and maintain laboratory procedures and documentation. The work performed in this role directly supports Washington's shellfish safety monitoring system. Laboratory results are used by public health and regulatory partners to make decisions that prevent the harvest and distribution of toxic shellfish, helping protect consumers in Washington and wherever Washington-grown shellfish products are distributed. Key Responsibilities Include:
Lead shellfish biotoxin testing operations and coordinate daily laboratory workflow for ASP, DSP, and PSP toxin analyses. Perform and oversee complex chemical analyses using HPLC, HPLC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, and biological testing methods. Provide technical leadership, training, and consultation to laboratory staff on analytical methods, instrumentation, and laboratory practices. Monitor laboratory quality systems, review analytical results, verify quality control standards, and ensure compliance with FDA, NSSP, and PHL laboratory accreditation requirements. Troubleshoot analytical, instrumentation, and workflow issues and implement corrective actions to maintain laboratory performance and reliability. Develop, validate, and improve laboratory methods, instrumentation, and testing processes to support operational effectiveness and regulatory requirements. Write, review, and maintain standard operating procedures and technical documentation for laboratory methods and quality processes. Collaborate with public health programs, regulatory agencies, Tribal partners, and other stakeholders regarding testing schedules, sample issues, laboratory findings, and technical matters. Why You'll Love This Role:
You'll serve as the technical lead for a specialized laboratory program that combines advanced analytical chemistry with public health protection. You'll work with sophisticated laboratory instrumentation and contribute to method development, validation, and continuous improvement efforts. Your work will provide critical data used to prevent toxic shellfish from reaching consumers. You'll collaborate with public health professionals, environmental programs, Tribes, and regulatory partners who share a commitment to protecting the health of communities throughout Washington. What You Bring:
You are a collaborative scientist who enjoys solving complex analytical problems and sharing technical expertise with others. You bring a strong commitment to laboratory quality, scientific integrity, and continuous improvement. You communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences and can balance detailed analytical work with broader operational responsibilities. You value teamwork and understand the importance of reliable laboratory data in protecting public health. You approach challenges with curiosity, sound judgment, and a commitment to maintaining high scientific and regulatory standards. You are comfortable leading work, mentoring others, and building productive relationships with colleagues, public health partners, and regulatory stakeholders. 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 belo w is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile. Option 1: Eight (8) years of laboratory experience performing analytical chemistry or environmental laboratory testing using advanced laboratory instrumentation such as HPLC, LC-MS/MS, or ICP-MS. Option 2: Bachelor's degree in chemistry, the physical sciences, or a related laboratory sciencewith a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours or forty-five (45) quarter hours of college level chemistry; AND four (4) years of laboratory experience performing analytical chemistry or environmental laboratory testing using advanced laboratory instrumentation such as HPLC, LC-MS/MS, or ICP-MS. A
Master's degree in a field listed in option 2 AND three (3) years of experience listed in option 2 A PhD in a field listed in option 2 AND two (2) years of experience as listed in option 2. AND the following experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities: Experience performing analytical chemistry testing in a regulated laboratory environment. Experience operating and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, LC-MS/MS, or ICP-MS. Experience reviewing laboratory analytical and quality control data. Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance, quality control, and safety practices. Skilled in developing and following laboratory standard operating procedures. Ability to communicate technical laboratory information clearly and effectively. PreferredQualifications While these aren't required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate. Experience performing shellfish biotoxin testing or environmental contaminant testing. Experience working in a public health laboratory. Experience with method validation, verification, or assay development. Experience supporting laboratory accreditation or regulatory inspections. Experience leading laboratory workflow or serving as a technical lead. Experience performing proficiency testing and maintaining laboratory quality systems. Experience preparing technical reports, grant materials, or scientific documentation. Knowledge of shellfish sanitation programs, food safety testing, or environmental monitoring programs. Experience using laboratory information management systems or laboratory sample tracking databases. Advanced proficiency in troubleshooting analytical instrumentation and resolving complex laboratory issues. 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 2,000 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. 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:
This position's work must be completed at the Public Health Laboratory located in Shoreline WA. 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. The position requires working in a laboratory with various laboratory chemicals that can cause [illness, skin irritation, or breathing problems]. Position requires work involving laboratory test animals, including mice, as part of assigned testing procedures. The position requires working with paints, pesticides, toxic cleaning supplies, etc. Schedule:
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 assignment, and/or meeting business demands and deadlines. The DOH Public Health Laboratory operates Monday through Saturday and most holidays. 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, fluorescent readers, pipettes, ultra high performance liquid chromatographs, tandem mass spectrometers, and other typical lab equipment, personal protective equipment, computers, copiers, printers, and fax machines. 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 regularly requires engaging with customers in a variety of settings agency staff, agency managers, agency supervisors, legislators, governor's office staff, and local health jurisdictions, federal government, State Board of Health, external partners, statewide professional associations. 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. Public Health Laboratories (PHL) technical personnel who perform testing or other duties requiring color discrimination must demonstrate adequate visual color discernment abilities. This is a regulatory requirement necessary to maintain compliance with College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation standards. Vaccinations for laboratory contaminants as determined and required by management and Public Health Laboratory Risk assessment may be required. 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 Shawnelle Goalder, Talent Acquisition Consultant/Recruiterat employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8925 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 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. This position's advertised salary includes a 5% premium for required dual-language duties.
