Atmospheric Scientist / Scientist Professional Entry Level

The candidate will facilitate secondary organic aerosol studies through the operation of smog chambers and accessory measurement instrumentation. Examples of job responsibilities include the following:

•          Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot dynamic and static reaction chambers and gas delivery systems including clean air systems, gas cylinders and pressure regulators, and mass flow controllers.
•          Accurately establish initial chamber conditions and maintain chamber/reaction conditions by adjusting various parameters including chamber pressure, gas concentrations, and light levels.
•          Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot both on-line, automated, and off-line liquid injection gas chromatograph and HPLC systems.
•          Calibrate, operate, and maintain instruments intended to analyze chamber contents including gas chromatographs, hydrogen generators, gas analyzers, as well as other real time monitoring instruments.
•          Collect, analyze, and compile smog chamber data using Microsoft Excel and other data analysis packages.
•          Develop, review, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance project plans (QAPPs) pertaining to smog chamber operation.
•          Keep accurate and complete laboratory records.
•          Proactively manage lab safety and research quality assurance.
•          Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with supervisors, colleagues, and customers.
•          Order, receive, and track gas cylinders and other materials needed for chamber studies.

Must comply with all company policies, procedures, and appropriate regulations.

The candidate will assist in the day-to-day operation of EPA-owned facilities including smog chambers and associated laboratories. The candidate will support facility maintenance, maintain records, set schedules, and perform equipment and instrumentation preventive maintenance and calibrations. They will troubleshoot operations and report findings. The candidate will research and provide information and recommendations on test equipment and instrumentation and will assist in evaluation and verification of chamber test equipment.

The candidate will perform facility quality assurance tasks as required. They will write standard operating procedures for facility and instrumentation maintenance, calibration, and operation. They will follow quality assurance procedures and standard operating procedures and document all work performed.

The candidate will provide operational and logistical support for smog chamber experiments including setting up and testing equipment, performing experiments, and collecting and analyzing chamber samples.

The candidate will determine purchasing needs, maintain inventories of spare parts, communicate with vendors, and prepare purchasing paperwork for facility materials and supplies. They will maintain equipment inventory spreadsheets and databases and assist with annual equipment inventory reconciliation.

This position requires laboratory work in a facility with stairs, and the candidate must be able to climb stairs. The candidate must be able to lift a minimum of 35 lbs and must be comfortable and knowledgeable wit