Environmental Chemistry Lab Specialist Sr.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science; Gloucester Point (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Environmental Chemistry Lab Specialist Sr. to advance environmental chemistry research. This role involves developing analytical methodologies to assess contaminants, conducting experiments, and maintaining lab instrumentation. You will collaborate with research teams, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to significant publications and grant development. The position supports the Ecosystem Health department's mission, providing high-level expertise in contaminant behavior and impact assessment. If you are passionate about environmental science and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is for you!

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field is required.
• Extensive experience in mass spectrometry and chromatography is essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to assess contaminants in environmental matrices.
• Oversee fieldwork operations and mentor junior scientists.

Skills

Separation techniques

Mass spectrometry

Chromatography

Sample preparation

Chemical extraction

QA/QC procedures

Excellent communication skills

Teamwork and collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field

Master’s degree in environmental chemistry (preferred)

Tools

Liquid chromatography

Gas chromatography

Infrared spectroscopy

Job description

Environmental Chemistry Lab Specialist Sr.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, VA

Direct message the job poster from Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Research Specialist Advanced, Senior advances environmental chemistry research by developing and applying analytical methodologies to assess contaminants in environmental matrices. Responsible for designing and conducting experiments, maintaining laboratory instrumentation, and ensuring high-quality data collection and analysis. Requires extensive experience in separation techniques, mass spectrometry, and chromatography, as well as expertise in sample preparation, chemical extraction, and QA/QC procedures. Incumbent will oversee fieldwork operations, collaborate with research teams, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to scientific publications and grant development. This position is integral to supporting the Ecosystem Health department’s mission by providing high-level research expertise in synthetic contaminant behavior and impact assessment in various environmental compartments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field, or an equivalent combination of college and related experience.
• Proficiency in extractions using liquid/liquid and enhanced solvent techniques.
• Experience with liquid chromatography (both low and high pressure), gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
• Ability to formulate standards with high precision.
• Knowledge of environmental behavior of organic contaminants.
• Experience in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and QA/QC procedures.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain lab inventories, ensure proper instrument calibration, and work safely.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated competency in the areas listed above.
• Evidence of independent research through scientific reports, presentations, or published journal articles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in environmental chemistry or a closely related field.
• Experience with infrared spectroscopy for polymer/microplastic identification.
• Knowledge of legacy pollutants (e.g., PCBs, PAHs).
• Understanding of wastewater treatment processes.
• Familiarity with specific instruments in the lab and conducting analyses for PCBs and PAHs in various environmental matrices (fish tissues, sediments, water).
• Ability to supervise staff and collaborate with scientists.
• First-author scientific publications and presentations.
• Experience supervising staff and working in collaborative research environments.

Up to $50,000 commensurate with experience.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing