Analytical Chemist - Illinois Fire Service Institute

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Fire Service Institute seeks an Analytical Chemist to advance analytical chemistry research, develop and validate methods, and perform quantitative analyses of biological and environmental samples to assess occupational exposures.

You will operate and optimize LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, and related instruments, ensure data quality, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support IFSI's health and safety research programs.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Toxicology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or closely related discipline.
• Experience in analytical method development, optimization, validation, and quantitative analysis.
• Hands-on experience with chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS).
• Experience with sample preparation, instrument operation, data processing, and interpretation of results.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, validate, and implement analytical methods for detecting compounds in biological matrices and research samples.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses using chromatography and MS techniques (HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS).
• Prepare and process biological samples using extraction, cleanup, and analytical procedures.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instruments and software for reliable results.
• Document data, QA/QC procedures, and maintain SOPs and protocols.
• Collaborate with researchers on experimental design and data interpretation.
• Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

LC-MS/MS

GC-MS

ICP-MS

Data interpretation

Quality assurance

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Toxicology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field

Tools

LC-MS/MS instruments

GC-MS instruments

ICP-MS instruments

Job description

Analytical Chemist - Illinois Fire Service Institute

Illinois Fire Service Institute

The Analytical Chemist supports the Illinois Fire Service Institute's (IFSI) research initiatives focused on improving the health and safety of first responders. This position is responsible for conducting analytical chemistry research, developing and validating analytical methods, and performing quantitative analyses of biological and environmental samples to assess occupational exposures. Responsibilities include operating, maintaining, and optimizing analytical instrumentation, including chromatography and mass spectrometry systems; ensuring the accuracy and reliability of research data; and collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams to support IFSI's research objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, optimize, validate, and implement analytical methods for the detection and quantification of chemical compounds in biological matrices and other research samples.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses using chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques, including HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS, as appropriate to the research objectives.
• Prepare and process biological and other research samples using appropriate extraction, cleanup, and analytical procedures.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize analytical instruments and associated software to ensure reliable performance and high-quality analytical results.
• Process, analyze, interpret, and document analytical data, including implementation of appropriate quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, analytical protocols, laboratory documentation, and quality control records.
• Collaborate with investigators and research staff on experimental design, analytical strategies, data interpretation, and the integration of analytical findings into research outcomes.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, conference presentations, technical reports, and research summaries.
• Assist with the development of research proposals, identification of funding opportunities, and preparation of grant applications to support IFSI's analytical chemistry and first-responder health research programs.
• Support research activities involving human participants and biological specimens, including sample collection and processing, as needed and in accordance with approved protocols and applicable institutional requirements.
• Maintain laboratory operations, including inventory management, procurement of supplies, equipment coordination, and implementation of appropriate laboratory safety practices.
• Coordinate with instrument manufacturers, service engineers, and technical specialists regarding instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Participate in interdisciplinary research meetings and academic and community events as an IFSI representative.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Toxicology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
2. Demonstrated research experience in analytical chemistry, particularly analytical method development, optimization, validation, and quantitative analysis.
3. Hands-on experience with chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques, such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, or ICP-MS.
4. Experience with sample preparation, instrument operation, analytical data processing, and interpretation of results.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience analyzing biological matrices, including human serum, plasma, urine, or other biospecimens.
2. Experience in biomonitoring, toxicology, environmental chemistry, occupational exposure assessment, or related research areas.
3. Experience developing and validating methods for trace-level chemical analysis.
4. Familiarity with human-subjects research, biospecimen handling, and institutional regulatory requirements, including IRB, IBC, or IACUC procedures.
5. Experience with laboratory instrumentation maintenance, inventory management, equipment acquisition, and laboratory organization.
6. Experience with statistical analysis, data visualization, or scientific programming tools such as Python or SPSS.
7. Familiarity with research data management platforms such as REDCap, Qualtrics, Box, or GitHub.
8. Experience contributing to grant proposals, scientific publications, or research presentations.
9. Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary research teams and external research partners.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of analytical quality assurance and quality control principles and laboratory best practices.
2. Strong troubleshooting, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
3. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to document analytical procedures and communicate scientific findings.
4. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple analytical tasks and research priorities.
5. Proficiency with standard scientific computing and data management tools, including Microsoft Office applications.

Appointment Information:

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after February 1, 2027. Salary range for this role is $75,000-90,000.

This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, January 8, 2027. For further information about this specific position, please contact Keri Borchers, [e-mail]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].