Environmental Analytical Chemist, Civil Engineering

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University in Nashville seeks an Environmental Analytical Chemist to perform advanced chemical analysis of aqueous solutions for environmental pollutants using GC-MS, ICP-MS, ICP-OES and related methods. The role supports faculty research and lab operations, develops protocols, maintains equipment, and ensures QA-QC compliance.

Required are a chemistry degree with 5+ years’ experience and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in chemistry or related field is necessary.
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred.
• Maintains training certifications relevant to the position.
• Minimum 5 years' experience with GC-MS, ICP-MS, or ICP-OES.
• Familiar with EPA Standard Methods is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement EPA methods for analysis of organic and inorganic compounds using GC-MS, ICP-MS, and ICP-OES.
• Develop or modify analytical methods as needed for complex samples.
• Train students and staff on analytical SOPs and instrument usage.
• Ensure QA-QC and safety compliance in the lab.

Skills

GC-MS

ICP-MS

ICP-OES

Organic analysis

Analytical methods

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

Ion Chromatography

GC-FID

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Environmental Analytical Chemist is responsible for carrying out and facilitating advanced chemical analysis of aqueous solutions for environmental pollutants of concern including but not limited to semi-volatile, non-volatile and volatile organic compounds, inorganic constituents (e.g., heavy metals) and water quality parameters (e.g., anions, total organic carbon). The successful applicant provides operational, educational and research support in the laboratory areas related to faculty research and duties, develops and implements instrument-based and wet-chemistry-based analytical procedures, maintains and operates equipment, documents and communicates laboratory policies and ensures compliance with federal quality assurance/quality control requirements (QA-QC).

About the Work Unit

Vanderbilt's Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) department vision is to be one of the foremost Civil and Environmental Engineering programs in effecting tangible change to resolve problems of critical importance to humanity in the built environment and the natural world through inspired teaching, research and service, and to maintain a culture of leadership within an educational setting that values research innovation and impact. CEE prepares students to be leaders in Civil and Environmental Engineering in an era of rapid evolution of the profession, to perform innovative basic and applied research that will meet critical challenges in infrastructure and natural resources, and provides service to institutions and government agencies that assists in resolving societal problems.

The specific research group provides extensive research and support for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, along with other federal agencies and non-federal research sponsors.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

1. Implement EPA standard methods for analysis of semi-volatile, non-volatile and volatile organic compounds by GC-MS, including sample preparation by solvent exchange or solid phase extraction and meeting all applicable QA-QC requirements.
2. Implement EPA standard methods for inorganic elemental analysis by ICP-MS, ICP-OES and ion chromatography, including sample preparation and meeting all applicable QA-QC requirements.
3. Develop or modify existing methods as necessary for organic and inorganic analyses to account for complex background matrices.
4. Assist with leaching test methods development and implementation.
5. Participate in standard operating procedures (SOPs) and/or sample preparation technique development (including documentation) on an as-needed basis to support faculty and student needs for selected analytical instrumentation.
6. Responsible for the training of students, post docs, and visiting scholars in the proper SOP for selected analytical instrumentation and procedures.
7. Report to lab leadership any major instrument, equipment, or process issue. Clearly present the problem and participate with resolving the problem.
8. Support on-going safety culture in the Environmental Engineering Laboratory. Maintaining situational awareness.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have line supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Environmental Engineering Laboratory Manager.

Education and Certifications

Bachelor's in chemistry or related field is necessary. Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred. Required to maintain all training certifications necessary and deemed appropriate for the position.

Experience and Skills

1. At least 5 years' experience with one or more of the following instruments: gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES).
   • gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS)
   • inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS)
   • inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
2. Analytical Experience
   • GC-MS (preferred)
   • ICP-MS (preferred)
   • ICP-OES (secondary preferred)
   • Familiar with EPA Standard Methods is preferred
   • Ion Chromatography
   • GC-FID
3. Technical understanding of basic lab procedures, safety culture and compliance requirements is necessary.
4. Analytical and quantitative skills with meticulous attention to detail are necessary.
5. Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is necessary.
7. Good written and oral communication skills are necessary.
8. Good interpersonal skills are necessary.

ABOUT US

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice. We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.