GRADUATE INTERN – LABORATORY SERVICES

Charlotte’s local government, with more than 7,000 employees and a $2.39 billion budget, works hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play.

Charlotte Water is an enterprise department of the City of Charlotte and one of the largest public water and sewer service providers in the southeast with 300,000 customer accounts and over 1000 employees. Our service area includes the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and the towns of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mint Hill, Matthews and Pineville. Charlotte Water’s FY 23 budget is $535M and a five-year capital program of $2.5 billion.  We enjoy the highest credit ratings from all three major credit rating agencies as a result of sound financial planning and management and strong support from our City Council.  We value competent, skilled candidates with a customer service focus to work in a team environment.

OVERVIEW
The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 15th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 897,000 citizens. A major commerce center, Charlotte hosts several of the nation’s largest banks and technology companies.

Also known as the Queen City, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We work hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Join us in helping to keep our City thriving, ensuring upward mobility and advancement in the workplace.

FUNCTION
This position is responsible for implementation and validation of a qPCR method, based on existing literature, within the Microbiology Section of Laboratory Services.   
SUMMARY
This position is responsible for implementation and validation of a qPCR method, based on existing literature, within the Microbiology Section of Laboratory Services.   Additional responsibilities include:  receipt of samples, assurance that chain of custody protocols are in accordance with state and federal safe laws and laboratory protocols, login of samples into LIMS, and SDS/chemical inventory updates.  Work involves ensuring that equipment is properly calibrated and sampling procedures follow protocols; recording observations; and informing personnel of any deviations from procedure.  This position maintains an inventory of supplies in the immediate work area and maintains a clean and safe work area.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Conducts assigned PCR research within the Microbiology Section of the lab.
• Logs in and checks in samples in the laboratory; subcontracts samples as needed; validates and maintains legal chain of custody; and records deviation from protocols.
• Performs sample preparation and analysis according to approved methods and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)s.
• Reviews data and procedures; verifies that procedural requirements are met and comply with the Laboratory’s Quality Assurance (QA)Program. 
• Performs maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Records observations, calculations, and results accurately. 
• Handles laboratory chemicals, potentially infectious microbes, samples, equipment and instrumentation according to specific sample requirements, approved methods, SOPs, QA procedures, safety protocols, and CHP.
• Informs supervisor of any problems associated with instrumentation, equipment, and materials as well as any deviations from schedules, methods, sample anomalies, and SOPs. 
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of work area.
• Greets clients; receives deliveries; and answers phone calls.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software.
• Knowledge of common office software and other pertinent computer software.
• Knowledge of sampling and laboratory protocols.
• Skill in calibrating equipment.
• Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in analytical thinking, methodical and systematic approach. 
• Ability to follow SOPs and reference methods.
• Ability to follow instructions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION
• Prefer experience with qPCR analysis of water samples and work experience in a certified environmental laboratory. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a scientific discipline from an accredited school WITH current or expected enrollment in a graduate program in chemistry or a scientific discipline. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.