Research Scientist 2 (Temporary)

Job Description

The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist 2 (Temporary) to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the EH Laboratory Director, the Research Scientist 2 (Temporary) is responsible for providing high quality industrial hygiene services and sample analysis for the benefit of workers and employers in Washington State.

This temporary role will be 12 months in duration.

The Research Scientist 2 staff member (Chemist), is a full-time scientist with the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) Environmental Health Laboratory.  RS2 reports to the EH Laboratory Director and works directly with the Laboratory Team (Chemists/Lab Manager) and multiple UW and external clients through Environmental Health Laboratory, service track, and the Trace Organics Analysis Center (TOAC), research track. The EH Lab service track provides high quality industrial hygiene services and sample analysis for the benefit of workers and employers in Washington State. The core state funding is approximately $826K per biennium. Research track funding is provided through multiple resources including a large self-sustaining cost center, federal and state funds, and sub-contracts. The EH Laboratory is housed in an academic department with undergraduate and graduate degree offerings. The academic training often incorporates hands-on laboratory training and the EH Laboratory provides many opportunities for students to gain experience with benchwork and use of complex equipment. The EH Laboratory undergoes an annual reaccreditation requiring staff to have thorough knowledge of compliance procedures, SOPs, quality assurance and control, and participate in the on-site accreditation review and follow-up.

Key Responsibilities:

• With guidance from senior staff modify methods for endogenous, exogenous compounds and metals in various and sometimes exotic matrices (20%)

• Successfully complete internal and external quality control performance tests. Perform QA/QC per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements on laboratory data generated by others. Perform and pass proficiency testing in all of lab's AIHA accredited fields of testing. (20%)

• Operate various computer-controlled instruments:  GC, HPLC, FTIR, ICPMS, XRD as well as train and mentor other users and students on the instrument use. Carry out high-volume, preparation for sample sets of various size involving, microwave assisted digestion, solvent extractions, derivatization, and sample concentration. Many analyses are for trace-level contaminants and in any case, all require attention to detail to achieve quality control goals. Perform analysis of industrial hygiene and occupational health samples in support of investigations into worker safety in the State of Washington. (30%)      

• Perform routine instrument calibration/maintenance, routine/non-routine trouble-shooting. Modify complex analytical instrumentation (5%)

• Review laboratory standard operating procedures for feedback on updates/revisions (5%)

• Analyze and manipulate analytical data and prepare written reports of analytical activities (15%)

• Oversee client analytical procedures and instrumentation needs. Consult with DEOHS laboratory managers and clients on analytical procedures and process development (5%)

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.”

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field and two years of experience with analytical chemistry and method development of small molecule analyzes, elemental analysis by ICPMS, and silica analysis by FTIR or XRD

• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced hands-on and theoretical knowledge of complex instrumentation, specifically GC, HPLC, FTIR, XRD, XRF, GC/MS, LC/MS/MS, ICPMS, MARS, and IC. 3

• working knowledge of Windows OS and Mac OS;

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