Assistant Research Scientist

University of Georgia- FACS; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia’s Center for Applied Isotope Studies seeks an Analytical Chemist to support the Lab for Environmental Analysis. This renewable 12-month position will lead the commissioning and operation of a new hybrid LC‑MS/MS system and develop analytical services for a diverse client base.

The successful candidate will conduct chemical analyses, develop and validate methods, manage client projects, supervise students, and contribute to laboratory operations, budgeting, and service

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or closely related field.
• 2+ years of untargeted LC‑MS/MS analysis experience.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills and method development/validation experience.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and manage multiple client-driven projects.
• Experience operating and maintaining chromatography and mass spectrometry instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning and operation of a hybrid LC‑MS/MS system.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for diverse clients.
• Perform sample preparation, data analysis, and report preparation.
• Communicate with clients regarding project status and results.
• Maintain and troubleshoot advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric instrumentation.
• Manage laboratory budget, expenditures, and record-keeping.
• Supervise student workers and maintain lab records.
• Engage in collaborative research, secure external funding, and publish results.

Skills

Analytical problem-solving

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

MS/MS instrumentation

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Tools

LC-MS/MS system

Job description

Title

Assistant Research Scientist

Department

Center for Applied Isotope Studies (CAIS), University of Georgia

Position Summary

The University of Georgia’s Center for Applied Isotope Studies seeks an Analytical Chemist to support the Lab for Environmental Analysis. This renewable 12‑month position will lead the commissioning and operation of a new hybrid triple quadrupole/linear ion trap LC‑MS/MS system and develop analytical services for a diverse client base spanning environmental science, ecology, agriculture, archaeology, forensics, biomedical research, and related fields. The successful candidate will conduct chemical analyses, develop and validate analytical methods, manage client projects, supervise students, and contribute to laboratory operations, budgeting, and service development. Responsibilities include sample preparation, data analysis, report preparation, client communication, and maintaining advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric instrumentation. The appointee is also expected to pursue collaborative research, secure external funding, and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning and operation of a hybrid triple quadrupole/linear ion trap LC‑MS/MS system
• Develop and validate analytical methods for a diverse client base
• Perform sample preparation, data analysis, and report preparation
• Communicate with clients regarding project status and results
• Maintain and troubleshoot advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric instrumentation
• Manage laboratory budget, expenditures, and record‑keeping
• Supervise student workers and maintain lab records
• Engage in collaborative research, secure external funding, and publish scientific results

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field
• 2+ years of experience in untargeted LC‑MS/MS analysis
• Strong analytical problem‑solving skills and experience developing and validating analytical methods
• Ability to collaborate effectively with researchers from multiple disciplines and manage multiple client‑driven projects
• Experience operating and maintaining chromatography and mass spectrometry instrumentation

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Background operating in a fee‑for‑service analytical laboratory or core facility environment
• Expertise in environmental chemistry, environmental health, archaeology, forensics, metabolomics, or related applied research areas
• Demonstrated record of operating and maintaining instrumentation and managing complex projects
• Strong communication skills for client interaction and interdisciplinary collaboration

Physical Demands

Normal laboratory demands.

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR at [e-mail].