Senior Research Support Specialist

Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume): 
Bachelor's Degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related field. Two (2) years of directly related, full time experience with advanced research related/laboratory activities.

Preferred Qualifications: 
Advanced degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related field. Hands-on experience with PFAS analysis, including sample preparation (e.g., multi-step extraction/SPE) and triple-quadrupole LC-MS/MS operation and troubleshooting. Demonstrated method development in challenging matrices (e.g., wastewater, biosolids, fish) and rigorous QA/QC (blanks, surrogates, isotopic dilution, calibration/validation). Evidence of scientific writing (manuscripts, reports) and authorship in peer-reviewed journals. Strong data handling skills (e.g., instrument data processing, spreadsheets/statistical software; database creation/maintenance). Experience training/mentoring junior staff or students.

Brief Description of Duties: 
The Senior Research Support Specialist will perform a broad range of complex laboratory and research tasks under the supervision of Dr. Lokesh Padhye in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. The incumbent will operate advanced analytical instrumentation (primarily triple-quadrupole LC-MS/MS and HRLCMS), execute specialized PFAS sample-preparation workflows, carry out test procedures, and collate, analyze, and interpret data using validated and emerging methods. The portfolio includes trace-level PFAS work in historically preserved samples and development/optimization of new extraction methods for PFAS in produce, biosolids, wastewater, and other matrices with opportunities to contribute to manuscripts and method SOPs.

The successful incumbent will have excellent interpersonal skills and strong organizational/time-management abilities with exceptional attention to detail. They must work independently and as part of a collaborative, solution-oriented team.

Responsibilities will include:

• Develop, monitor, coordinate, and manage activities to maintain effective PFAS monitoring program (e.g., reagent/standards management, instrument scheduling, SOPs, new methods, QA/QC logs, safety compliance).

• Work collaboratively with other employees, faculty, and professionals to advance project goals. (training, field/lab coordination)

• Performing experiments; provide research support by conducting tests using specialized methods for data collection; interpret the collected data (trace-level PFAS sample prep for complex matrices; LC-MS/MS acquisition; method development/validation; instrument maintenance).

• Observe, collect, and analyze data and write summary reports as necessary (data processing, calibration/QA review, figures/tables, client reports; proposals).

• Prepare reports, drafts, and/or manuscripts based on collected data (methods sections, results narratives, responses to reviewers, supporting information/SOPs).

• Develop and maintain databases (result tracking, sample chain-of-custody, metadata for historically preserved and produced samples).

   

   

• Orient and train students or less-experienced staff in PFAS sample preparation, LC-MS/MS operation, QA/QC practices, and lab safety and review the work of less-experienced employees as assigned.

• Other duties as assigned.

Special Notes:
The Research Foundation of SUNY is a private educational corporation. Employment is subject to the Research Foundation policies and procedures, sponsor guidelines and the availability of funding. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.

For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas.

Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.