Chemist l

Come join TFE, Inc. as a Chemist I supporting the ARS Laboratory in Port Allen, Louisiana.

Founded in 1989, TFE, Inc. provides professional, technical, and administrative personnel and services in the U.S. nuclear energy complex and other commercial ventures. With over 150 employees and growing, we know our employees are the key to our success. We value their ideas and opinions and want to help them grow in knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The ARS Laboratory specializes in full-service laboratory capabilities, including radiochemistry, standard chemistry, industrial hygiene, and other specialty services. Our Port Allen, LA laboratory performs a full complement of analytical services, including VOCs, metals, and radionuclides for approximately 50,000 samples annually.

Position Summary

Chemist I perform a variety of duties which may include performing analytical testing and sample preparation, calibrating and maintaining analytical equipment, reporting data, troubleshooting analytical or instrumentation issues, revising existing procedures, and developing new methods. In addition this position may process, measure, and work with radioactive materials on a daily basis in our laboratory spaces.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory analyses, including use of chemical digestion and separation methods for preparation of samples for counting.
• Operate and calibrate requisite laboratory equipment and instruments; record data; maintain, troubleshoot and make minor adjustments to equipment.
• Prepare NIST traceable solutions and reagents following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
• Use standard radiological and laboratory safety precautions to protect self and co-workers.
• Comply with laboratory safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical, radiological, and/or biological agents in the workplace.
• Use proper techniques to avoid contaminating laboratory samples and equipment.
• Monitor inventory levels, develop technical specifications and purchase orders, and order materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Maintain required laboratory quality assurance and control documentation.
• Prepare, decontaminate, sterilize, and maintain laboratory equipment, glassware, and instruments used in analyses.
• Train and mentor personnel as assigned on laboratory procedures
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

BS degree in Chemistry, Physical or Biological Science

A minimum of 2 years of experience in a laboratory environment, with a minimum of 6 months of environmental laboratory experience and 6 months performing radiochemical analyses is desired.

Additional years of experience can be considered in place of a degree.

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience preparing samples using digestion and separation techniques.
• Knowledge of the principles necessary to maintain quality control and prevent cross-contamination in an environmental laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of concepts, practices and standard laboratory procedures, including safety procedures, in a laboratory environment.
• Experience using electronic Laboratory Management Information Systems (LIMS).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications a plus.
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team of integrated professionals.
• Ability to maintain the highest safety and ethical standards.
• Ability to use computers and perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read and understand laboratory procedures.
• Ability to communicate and effectively interact with co-workers and supervisors.

Required Screening

Drug Screen

Physical Assessment (if applicable)

Background Check (Criminal, Civil, Educational, Previous Employment, etc.)

Physical and Working Conditions

• Ability to stand, sit, bend at the knees and waist, and climb stairs.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds independently.
• Ability to utilize all physical senses in the workplace.
• Ability to wear PPE including safety glasses, chemical protective clothing, and respiratory protection.
• Employees may be required to participate in the laboratory spill response program including maintaining HAZWOPER certifications.
• Ability to participate in occupational related medical surveillance programs as necessary: respiratory protection, beryllium, lead, HAZWOPER.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not a complete list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with it.

TFE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.