Open Rank Research Professor - Water Sciences Lab Director

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in Lincoln, NE, is seeking a Water Sciences Laboratory Lead to oversee operations and improve water research quality. Responsibilities include mentoring staff, fostering collaboration, and preparing reports. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field and experience in analytical methods or mass spectrometry. The role demands strong leadership and communication skills to enhance laboratory services and maintain quality. This position aims to strengthen partnerships and support impactful research.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in relevant scientific fields.
• Experience in scientific research and analytical method development.
• Strong publication record in advanced analytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the WSL mission for high-quality water research.
• Mentor lab users and ensure timely processing of samples.
• Prepare annual facility reports integrating fiscal and technical inputs.

Skills

Analytical techniques

Mass spectrometry

Scientific communication

Leadership

Research collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental, Geological, or Materials Science

Tools

Laboratory information management system

Job description

Position Information

Working Title: Water Sciences Laboratory (WSL) Lead

Department: Water Center-2225

Requisition Number: F_260016

Location: Lincoln, NE

Position Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong communication skills, vision, and leadership to further the WSL mission to provide advanced, high‑quality, defensible results for water and environmental research.
• Seek out and develop relationships with external stakeholders and faculty from the university system to support joint research and service projects, enhancing laboratory services to meet user requirements while implementing practical ways to maintain quality and improve operation efficiency.
• Actively collaborate on publications, contracts and grant opportunities, and work with the Nebraska Water Center staff to promote the facility widely to potential users on and off campus.
• Mentor laboratory users and staff to ensure timely processing of client samples, facilitate problem‑solving, and assist the laboratory manager in implementing a robust quality assurance program using a new laboratory information management system.
• Prepare annual facility reports to the Office of Research and Innovation which integrate fiscal and technical input from an administrative advisory board, laboratory user group, and business office staff.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental, Geological, or Materials Science.
• Experience conducting scientific research, developing analytical or isotopic methods, operating and troubleshooting mass spectrometry‑based equipment.
• Track record of relevant research publications showcasing advanced analytical techniques.
• Specialty in environmental sciences, water quality, and/or analytical method development commensurate with a research assistant professor or higher.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing laboratory operations, quality assurance, planning, or project management.
• Proven ability to communicate and collaborate with faculty and stakeholders across multiple disciplines and organizations.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.