Environmental Chemistry Lab Specialist Sr

Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, VA

Direct message the job poster from Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Research Specialist Advanced, Senior advances environmental chemistry research by developing and applying analytical methodologies to assess contaminants in environmental matrices. Responsible for designing and conducting experiments, maintaining laboratory instrumentation, and ensuring high-quality data collection and analysis. Requires extensive experience in separation techniques, mass spectrometry, and chromatography, as well as expertise in sample preparation, chemical extraction, and QA/QC procedures. Incumbent will oversee fieldwork operations, collaborate with research teams, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to scientific publications and grant development.

This position is integral to supporting the Ecosystem Health department’s mission by providing high-level research expertise in synthetic contaminant behavior and impact assessment in various environmental compartments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field, or an equivalent combination of college and related experience.
• Proficiency in extractions using liquid/liquid and enhanced solvent techniques.
• Experience with liquid chromatography (both low and high pressure), gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
• Ability to formulate standards with high precision.
• Knowledge of environmental behavior of organic contaminants.
• Experience in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and QA/QC procedures.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain lab inventories, ensure proper instrument calibration, and work safely.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated competency in the areas listed above.
• Evidence of independent research through scientific reports, presentations, or published journal articles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in environmental chemistry or a closely related field.
• Experience with infrared spectroscopy for polymer/microplastic identification.
• Knowledge of legacy pollutants (e.g., PCBs, PAHs).
• Understanding of wastewater treatment processes.
• Familiarity with specific instruments in the lab and conducting analyses for PCBs and PAHs in various environmental matrices (fish tissues, sediments, water).
• Ability to supervise staff and collaborate with scientists.
• First-author scientific publications and presentations.
• Experience supervising staff and working in collaborative research environments.

Up to $50,000 commensurate with experience.

Mid-Senior level

Full-time

Management and Manufacturing