Research Chemist

Overview

ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers.

The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Chemist to join our growing technical team. This role is ideal for a driven professional with knowledge beyond rudimentary academics of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, hazards & danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

or a related field who is eager to take ownership of complex projects and contribute to meaningful environmental and combustion research.

The successful candidate will initially focus on hands-on technical execution and will quickly grow into opportunities to lead projects, influence technical direction, and support team development.

• Provide professional technical support within allocated task resources and contribute to an overall increase in efficiency of scientific support with increasing independent accomplishment
• Adhere to Quality Assurance Program Plans, Work or Test Plans, Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs), Health & Safety Plans. Thoroughly, consistently, and completely document all laboratory activities in specified notebooks
• Maintain laboratory spaces according to the criteria specified by Safety, Health, and Environmental Management. Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed
• Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests
• Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests
• Preparation, extraction, and analysis for target compounds from various environmental sample matrices and sampling equipment or media (i.e., air sampling canisters, XAD, thermal desorption tubes, SPE cartridges, derivatization cartridges, filters)
• Preparation of sampling media (i.e., XAD, filters, canisters, thermal desorption tubes, etc.) prior to field deployment for sample collection. Accurately document the preparation
• Analysis of sample preparations by GC/MS, LC/MS, or other techniques. Reduction of sample data and reporting of analytical results in a timely manner
• Conduct quality control tests and evaluate against data quality indicator goals. Perform corrective actions as prescribed by QA and/or project management
• Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed
• Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions
• Communicate processes, results, and challenges to supervisor and management team
• Assist in writing technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests
• Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods
• Recommend purchasing of laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, to maintain working inventory

• At a minimum have experience in the operation of gas chromatography (GC) instrumentation, preferably 2+ years operation of GC/MS instrumentation for EPA methods
• Proficiency with instrument plumbing - gas lines and liquid lines
• Familiarity with basic laboratory hygiene processes and protocols
• Must have legible writing
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products as well as analytical or scientific software
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, equipment documentation, and laboratory procedures
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Experience applying EPA air emissions methodologies
• Proven ability to write technical documentation, including safety plans, operational procedures, facility manuals, and technical reports
• Occasional lifting up to 35 lbs. (