Mass Spec Chemist – Biomonitoring Research

Laseagrant; 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

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