Senior Environmental Analytical Chemist

Are you interested in applying your analytical chemistry skills to support cutting-edge applied research related to emerging contaminants and the environment? The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) in Duluth, MN is hiring a Senior Environmental Analytical Chemist to support projects focused on analysis and remediation of legacy and emerging contaminants in the environment. The employee will work in the NRRI Environmental Chemistry Laboratory and lead the day-to-day operations of analytical facilities with the support of laboratory staff and students. Current instrumentation in the NRRI Environmental Chemistry Laboratory include liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS), liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QQQMS). They will also contribute to various current research projects with topics including analysis of legacy and emerging contaminants in Great Lakes Sediments, as well as adsorbent-based treatment and remediation approaches for various types of PFAS-contaminated waters (e.g., groundwater, stormwater, landfill leachate). Additionally, they will help to establish new analytical capabilities and maintain an analytical program supported by sponsored research projects and analytical services. They will assist the PI with research leadership activities including manuscript preparation, student mentorship, and preparation of grant proposals, and may serve as Co-PI on new projects. This position requires working in a laboratory and handling hazardous chemicals in accordance with laboratory safety protocols. This position may also involve fieldwork.    

This is an in-person position with opportunities for flex work.

Job Duties

Oversee and coordinate analytical data collection (25% time).

• Develop and adapt laboratory-specific analytical methods for quantitative analysis and nontarget analysis of trace organic contaminants in environmental and laboratory-generated samples, in accordance with requirements of specific research projects. 
• Translate analytical methods into Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 
• Process and analyze samples independently or train team members and delegate tasks as necessary. 
• Recommend and implement improvements to workflow. 
• Manage and operate advanced analytical instrumentation, including liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS), and gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QQQMS) systems.

Data review, management, and analysis (25% time). 

• Oversee review of analytical data to ensure compliance with project-specific QA/QC criteria. 
• Manage data storage and organization across projects. 
• Prepare and implement data management plans in accordance with grant-specific requirements. Process data and prepare figures using statistical software (e.g., R) and interpret results in collaboration with PI and other team members. 
• Assist with data formatting and preparation for submission to databases (e.g., the US EPA Great Lakes Environmental Database, GLENDA).

Dissemination and reporting (20% time). 

• Contribute to preparation of peer-reviewed publications as lead or co-author. 
• Present research results at conferences and seminars. 
• Prepare technical reports and grant reports.

Engineering research (20% time).

• Contribute to experimental and modeling studies as needed to support projects related to treatment and remediation of organic contaminants. 
• Experimental approaches include batch and column experiments to evaluate contaminant sorption and degradation processes. 
• Modeling approaches include application of numerical and software approaches to evaluate contaminant transport processes.

Administrative duties (10% time). 

• Assist PI with preparation of research proposals involving analysis of trace organic contaminants, including preparation of budgets, literature reviews, and work plans. 
• Monitor analytical expenditures to ensure alignment with project budgets. 
• Development of analytical cost center rates and budgets. 
• Assist team members with purchasing and maintaining laboratory inventories and instrument service records. 

Duties less than 10% time: 

• This position may involve occasional fieldwork as necessary for specific projects. 
• It will also involve occasional travel to present research results at meetings and conferences.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in science and/or engineering field with a strong focus in Chemistry, plus one year of relevant work experience.
• Experience working with advanced liquid chromatography mass spectrometry techniques (e.g., LC-MS/MS).
• Experience with quantitative analysis of trace organic contaminants in environmental samples.
• Experience training, managing, and/or mentoring students, interns, and/or laboratory support staff.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; or equivalent software.
• Valid US driver’s license with clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Environmental Engineering, Chemistry or related science and engineering field and a record of oral presentations and peer-reviewed publications 
• Three or more years of experience working with advanced liquid chromatography mass spectrometry techniques (e.g., LC-MS/MS).
• Experience with analytical methods and QA/QC protocols for a variety of organic contaminants (e.g., including PFAS, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, and legacy organic contaminants) in a variety of environmental matrices (e.g., water, soils, sediments, and biological tissues). 
• Excellent technical writing skills, as evidenced through at least one peer-reviewed publication or technical report as lead author.
• Experience with a variety of advanced mass spectrometry techniques relevant to environmental chemistry, including liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and nontarget analysis, and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS).
• One or more years of experience working in an industry, government, or contract analytical laboratory.
• Knowledge of treatment and remediation concepts including sorption and biodegradation, as evidenced through peer-reviewed publications and/or an educational background in engineering. 
• Experience working with mass spectrometry instrumentation (such as Sciex and Agilent) and/or software (such as SciexOS, MassHunter, ChemStation).
• Proficiency with statistical analysis and computing software (e.g., R, Matlab) 
• Experience with grant writing, project management, and budget management.

**Applicants who do not meet all the preferred qualifications are still encouraged to apply.

Pay Range: $61,510.82 - $75,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment 

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, visit the UMN Careers website and search for the Job ID number on this post. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Applicants should send a cover letter detailing their interests and qualifications (as per required/preferred qualification list), and Full CV.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

For a completed application, please include a resume and cover letter. Finalists will be asked to provide references. 

This position will be open until filled. 

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.  A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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