Environmental Analytical Chemist, Civil Engineering

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University is seeking an Environmental Analytical Chemist to perform advanced chemical analyses of aqueous samples, focusing on VOCs, inorganics and water quality parameters. The role supports faculty research by developing robust analytical methods, maintaining instrumentation and ensuring QA/QC compliance.

The candidate will train students and staff, implement EPA methods, and contribute to safety culture in the Environmental Engineering Laboratory, reporting to the Laboratory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field required.
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred and beneficial for research activities.
• Experience with EPA standard methods is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Implement EPA standard methods for analysis of VOCs, SVOCs and inorganics by GC-MS, ICP-MS, ICP-OES.
• Develop or modify methods for organic and inorganic analyses for complex matrices.
• Assist with leaching test method development and implementation.
• Develop SOPs and document sample preparation techniques as needed to support faculty and student use of instrumentation.
• Train students, postdocs and visiting scholars in SOPs for analytical instrumentation.
• Report instrument or process issues to lab leadership and participate in problem resolution.
• Contribute to ongoing safety culture and lab compliance with QA/QC requirements.

Skills

GC-MS

ICP-MS

ICP-OES

Ion Chromatography

EPA Methods

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's in chemistry

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

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:

• 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.


• 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.


• Develop or modify existing methods as necessary for organic and inorganic analyses to account for complex background matrices.


• Assist with leaching test methods development and implementation.


• 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.


• Responsible for the training of students, post docs, and visiting scholars in the proper SOP for selected analytical instrumentation and procedures


• Report to lab leadership any major instrument, equipment, or process issue. Clearly present the problem and participate with resolving the problem.


• 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:

• 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).


• Analytical Experiencea. GC-MS (preferred)b. ICP-MS (preferred)c. ICP-OES (secondary preferred)d. Familiar with EPA Standard Methods is preferrede. Ion Chromatographyf. GC-FID


• Technical understanding of basic lab procedures, safety culture and compliance requirements is necessary.


• Analytical and quantitative skills with meticulous attention to detail are necessary.


• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is necessary.


• Good written and oral communication skills are necessary.


• 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 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.