Senior Lab Scientist - Feed & Seed Program

Plant Industries Division
Senior Laboratory Scientist-Feed & Seed Program
Keeping our pet food and livestock feed safe is a priority for us! The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) Plant Industries Division, Bureau of Feed and Seed assists the state's feed industry and consumers through testing pet food and livestock feed products to help provide information to the Feed Industry and consumers to assist in making buying decisions. If you have a passion for data and agriculture, we'd love for you to join our team! You'll be working with a fast growing dynamic industry and working with a highly motivated team toward the mission of protecting public and animal health.
ANNUAL SALARY: $49,059.12 - $51,000.00
LOCATION: Jefferson City, MO
Primary Job Duties/Responsibilities :

• Perform sample intake, accessioning, grinding, and processing.
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of the quality management system for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
• Analyze samples for the presence and concentration of analytes using gravimetric, chromatographic, inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectrometer, and other spectrometry techniques; interpret and evaluate results.
• Analyze samples in accordance with quantitative and qualitative chemical methods to detect and verify composition and possible contaminates.
• Verify and interpret anomalies such as matrix, spectral, chemical and chromatographic interferences that may occur during the analysis of samples.
• Provide guidance and training to other scientists on analytical methods, techniques, data interpretation, and matrix interferences.
• Review, evaluate, and prepare reports detailing results of analyses and studies.
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Conduct instrument maintenance with documented procedures.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Six (6) years of prior experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to interpret data from a variety of instrumentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot a variety of instruments.
• Travel to meetings and trainings requiring overnight stay.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Excel, Word, and other software applications in the performance of duties.
• Ability to be both a productive individual and team member.
• Ability to represent the department in a professional manner.
• Ability to defend data in court, in the need arises.
• Ability to prioritize work based on the type of incoming samples.
• Ability to work independently, identify tasks, standardize procedures, and provide feedback to the program.
• Ability to work well with fellow scientists and managers.
• Ability to complete work in an allotted amount of time, usually one week.
• Ability to provide presentations to fellow employees and others on an as needed basis.
• Post-secondary degree with emphasis in Agriculture, Animal Science and/or Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or closely related fields will count toward experience.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.
For questions regarding this position, contact: hr@mda.mo.gov
The Missouri Department of Agriculture is an Equal Opportunity Employer
M-F-V-D-AA-EOE