Analytical Chemist - Illinois Fire Service Institute

Illinois International; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Fire Service Institute is seeking an Analytical Chemist to join its research team in Illinois. The role focuses on developing and validating analytical methods, and performing quantitative analyses of biological and environmental samples to assess occupational exposures.

You will operate and optimize LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS systems, and contribute to interdisciplinary projects. The position supports IFSI’s research goals, with emphasis on quality control, SOP development, and manuscript

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, validate, and implement analytical methods for detection and quantification of chemical compounds in biological matrices and other samples.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses using LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS as appropriate.
• Prepare and process biological and research samples with extraction, cleanup, and analytical procedures.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize analytical instruments and software for reliable results.
• Document data and implement QA/QC procedures.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, analytical protocols, and lab documentation.
• Collaborate with investigators on experimental design, analytical strategies, and data interpretation.
• Contribute to manuscripts, conference presentations, and research summaries.
• Assist with development of research proposals and grant applications; identify funding opportunities.
• Support research activities involving human participants and biospecimens per approved protocols.
• Maintain lab operations, inventory, procurement, and safety practices.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Research experience

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Organization

Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or related

Tools

LC-MS/MS

GC-MS

ICP-MS

HPLC

Instrument software

Python

SPSS

REDCap

Qualtrics

Box

GitHub

Job description

AnalyticalChemist – Illinois Fire Service Institute

The Analytical Chemistsupports the Illinois Fire Service Institute's (IFSI) research initiativesfocused on improving the health and safety of first responders. This positionis responsible for conducting analytical chemistry research, developing andvalidating analytical methods, and performing quantitative analyses ofbiological and environmental samples to assess occupational exposures.Responsibilities include operating, maintaining, and optimizing analyticalinstrumentation, including chromatography and mass spectrometry systems;ensuring the accuracy and reliability of research data; and collaborating with interdisciplinaryresearch teams to support IFSI's research objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, optimize,validate, and implement analytical methods for the detection and quantificationof chemical compounds in biological matrices and other research samples.
• Perform qualitative andquantitative analyses using chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques,including HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS, as appropriate to the researchobjectives.
• Prepare and processbiological and other research samples using appropriate extraction, cleanup,and analytical procedures.
• Operate, maintain,troubleshoot, and optimize analytical instruments and associated software toensure reliable performance and high-quality analytical results.
• Process, analyze,interpret, and document analytical data, including implementation ofappropriate quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Develop and maintainstandard operating procedures, analytical protocols, laboratory documentation,and quality control records.
• Collaborate withinvestigators and research staff on experimental design, analytical strategies,data interpretation, and the integration of analytical findings into researchoutcomes.
• Contribute to thepreparation of scientific manuscripts, conference presentations, technicalreports, and research summaries.
• Assist with the developmentof research proposals, identification of funding opportunities, and preparationof grant applications to support IFSI's analytical chemistry and first-responderhealth research programs.
• Support research activitiesinvolving human participants and biological specimens, including samplecollection and processing, as needed and in accordance with approved protocolsand applicable institutional requirements.
• Maintain laboratoryoperations, including inventory management, procurement of supplies, equipmentcoordination, and implementation of appropriate laboratory safety practices.
• Coordinate with instrument manufacturers,service engineers, and technical specialists regarding instrument maintenance,troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Participate ininterdisciplinary research meetings and academic and community events as anIFSI representative.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry,Toxicology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated researchexperience in analytical chemistry, particularly analytical method development,optimization, validation, and quantitative analysis.
• Hands-on experience withchromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques, such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, orICP-MS.
• Experience with samplepreparation, instrument operation, analytical data processing, andinterpretation of results.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience analyzingbiological matrices, including human serum, plasma, urine, or otherbiospecimens.
• Experience inbiomonitoring, toxicology, environmental chemistry, occupational exposureassessment, or related research areas.
• Experience developing andvalidating methods for trace-level chemical analysis.
• Familiarity withhuman-subjects research, biospecimen handling, and institutional regulatoryrequirements, including IRB, IBC, or IACUC procedures.
• Experience with laboratoryinstrumentation maintenance, inventory management, equipment acquisition, andlaboratory organization.
• Experience with statisticalanalysis, data visualization, or scientific programming tools such as Python orSPSS.
• Familiarity with researchdata management platforms such as REDCap, Qualtrics, Box, or GitHub.
• Experience contributing togrant proposals, scientific publications, or research presentations.
• Ability to collaborateeffectively with interdisciplinary research teams and external researchpartners.

Knowledge, Skills andAbilities:

• Knowledge of analyticalquality assurance and quality control principles and laboratory best practices.
• Strong troubleshooting,critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to workindependently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communicationskills, including the ability to document analytical procedures and communicatescientific findings.
• Strong organizational skillsand the ability to manage multiple analytical tasks and research priorities.
• Proficiency with standardscientific computing and data management tools, including Microsoft Officeapplications.

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.

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] .

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.

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

Requisition ID: 1039038
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu