Environmental Chemist Assistant (Temporary-Full-Time)

Requisition Id 13694 

 

Overview: 

We are seeking an Environmental Chemist Assistant (Temporary-Full-Time) for 18 months skilled in analytical laboratory experiments to work on a project investigating the effects of natural and engineered materials on the stabilization of mercury (Hg) in contaminated environmental media (air, soils, sediments, water).

 

This position is based in in the Biodiversity and Sustainable Systems Section, Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

 

As part of our team, you will support and contribute to research aimed at understanding the fate and transformation of Hg under a broad range of environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) in both engineered and natural settings. Specific tasks will include assisting in the design and execution of experiments, working independently in the lab, supporting the team by collecting, processing and preserving samples in the field, and processing and analyzing the samples in the laboratory.  Additionally, you will summarize experimental results in both oral and written formats.

 

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist in the design of experiments and assist in laboratory investigations with elemental Hg.
• Acquire and analyze data using a range of analytical instrumentation.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Prepare oral and written reports.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS degree in Chemistry or a related technical discipline with a minimum of two years of hands-on experience in a lab research environment.
• A MS degree will also be considered.
• Excellent intrapersonal, written, verbal communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
• Ability to meticulously maintain detailed laboratory records.
• Ability to solve basic research problems.
• Prioritizes a safe work environment and complies with all ES&H regulations.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A MS degree in Chemistry or a related technical discipline or a BS degree with 4+ years of experience.
• Analytical chemistry experience working with trace metals.
• Experience with materials characterization and analysis methods.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter.

 

This is a temporary assignment of 18 months with potential for extension.

 

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay an