PRINCIPAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (CHEMISTRY
To land Principal Laboratory Technician (chemistry in New Jersey you go through the competitive route: you sit an announced exam and the score puts you on the eligible list agencies hire from.
The one gate is 2 years of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $58,222 and $84,763, and state payroll currently lists 5 people in the title, most of them at Health and Senior Services.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Principal Laboratory Technician (chemistry appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Health.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Health | 5 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 5 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $71,639. The agencies employing the most are:
- Health and Senior Services (5)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the direction of a higher level professional staff in the Department of Health and Senior Services, prepares and conducts the more difficult and various routine and complex chemistry tests, and does the analysis; may supervise Laboratory Technicians of a lower grade; does related work as required.
Examples of work
- May participate in the verification of manufacturer's performance specifications for new test systems.
- May assist in the development of policies and procedures for testing, quality control and quality assurance to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.
- May ensure that all tests are performed in accordance with established laboratory policies and manufacturer requirements including controls, calibration, maintenance and calibration verification.
- May conduct validation studies on new instrumentation and testing procedures to verify that the instruments / procedures are performing up to certifying agency requirements.
- Prepares proficiency testing specimens for analysis by participating clinical laboratories in accordance with criteria established by the centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for CMS approved proficiency testing programs.
- Assists in the review and evaluation of proficiency testing findings reported by participating clinical laboratories to determine if test results are within acceptable target ranges.
- Assigns and instructs laboratory technicians of a lower grade and may supervise the performance of their work.
- Performs instrument maintenance and troubleshooting as well as functions as a resource person regarding instrument operations.
- Conducts routine and non-routine analyses utilizing instrumentation such as GC-MS, H.P.L.C., spectrophotometers, fluorimeters, gas chromatographs, gamma counters, automated analyzers and other equivalency sophisticated instrumentation.
- Maintains supply inventories and reorders material as required.
- Through use of quality controls, assures the quality of reported results is satisfactory.
- Performs those technical functions necessary for the maintenance and orderly and efficient operation of the laboratories.
- Prepares accurate and timely reports as required.
- Maintains essential records and files.
- May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Successful completion of (60) semester hour credits at an accredited college, (24) credits of which shall have been in the biological, chemical and/or physical sciences.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience as a technician in a public health, hospital, clinical, or research laboratory performing chemical tests.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of chemistry methodology.
- Knowledge of the laboratory equipment, reagents and techniques used in chemical tests and analyses.
- Ability to organize assigned work, analyze routine laboratory problems, and develop appropriate work methods.
- Ability to take the lead in a group of technical laboratory employees, provide assignments, instructions, guidance and if necessary, discipline.
- Ability to conduct routine chemistry laboratory tests and analyses in accordance with standard and established procedures.
- Ability to use, and maintain scientific equipment, including pH meters, colorimeters, spectographs, cryoscope, spectrophotometers (visible, infrared and ultra-violet), densitometers, chromatographic apparatus, and automated analytical devices.
- Ability to prepare accurate reports.
- Ability to maintain essential records and reports.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible
- CODES: 19/R18- MER 06/19/2010
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
Successful completion of a certificate program in clinical laboratory technology may be substituted for the above education.
Applicants who do not possess the required college or certificate in clinical laboratory technology, may substitute two (2) additional years of experience as indicated.