Senior Research Scientist Environmental Chemistry

VIMS1 Virginia Institute of Marine Science; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Educational assistance

Professional development opportunities

On-campus fitness facilities

Job summary

Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) seeks a Senior Research Scientist in Environmental Chemistry to lead and conduct research on legacy and emerging contaminants and microplastics. The role involves designing experiments, managing projects, operating analytical instrumentation, and mentoring students and staff.

Collaboration with VA agencies and federal partners is emphasized. The incumbent will develop protocols, contribute to publications and grant proposals, and oversee the full

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, marine science, environmental science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting/leading environmental chemistry research with publication record.
• Strong writing and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, manage, and perform analytical research to identify contaminants in complex matrices.
• Interpret data, write manuscripts and reports, present findings at conferences.
• Calibrate and maintain analytical instrumentation and SOPs; ensure data integrity.

Skills

Scientific writing

Collaboration in lab/field

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in chemistry or related field

Tools

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Job Description Summary

The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality. The Senior Research Scientist, Environmental Chemistry will lead and conduct research on legacy and emerging environmental contaminants and microplastics. This includes investigating contaminant sources, environmental transport, fate, bioavailability and ecosystem and human health consequences. The incumbent will work semi-independently to design, execute, and manage complex research projects, develop and execute experimental protocols, operate and manage analytical instrumentation, contribute to scholarly publications and grant proposals, and mentor students and junior staff. The group has a long record of collaborations with the VA Dept. of Environmental Quality, VA Dept. of Health, as well as collaborations with EPA, NOAA, NIH and other agency and academic scientists. The position will be responsible for the full lifecycle of research initiatives—from conception and proposal development to execution, analysis, reporting, and publication. The role requires advanced proficiency in analytical instrumentation, development and application of advanced analysis methods and project management. This position directly contributes to VIMS’s mission through high-impact scholarship, interagency collaboration, and scientific innovation. Primary Location: Virginia Institute of Marine Science Primary Job Posting Location: Virginia Institute of Marine Science Worker Sub-Type: Regular (benefited) Job Family: Staff - Scientist

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, marine science, environmental science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting/leading successful environmental chemistry-oriented research (i.e. from initial concept to research to publication).
• Knowledge of chemical sources, fate, transport, and effects.
• Strong scientific writing and oral communication skills.
• Strong collaborator in teamwork setting both in the lab and in the field.
• Experience in developing, validating, and applying advanced chemical analyses of organic contaminants in diverse environmental media (water, sediments/soils, sludges, biota, etc.), including sample extraction, extract purification, chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
• Experience with QA/QC procedures.
• Experience in collecting environmental samples.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality scholarly publications and non-technical reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced mass spectrometric analyses (e.g., time-of-flight, ion trap, or quadrupole technologies).
• Demonstrated ability to secure external funding for research projects.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes.
• Knowledge and experience related to the analysis of microplastics in complex environmental media, e.g. infrared spectroscopy/LDIR.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 60% - Experimental Design and Analytical Research: Design, manage, and perform laboratory experiments and analyses to identify and quantify contaminants in complex matrices. Analytical workflows include sample preparation, spiking, extraction, purification, and analyte detection using chromatography coupled with advanced mass spectrometry (e.g., GC-MS, LC-MS) or image-based particle analysis techniques. Oversee the collection, preservation, and inventory of field and laboratory samples in compliance with data integrity and chain-of-custody protocols.
• 25% - Data Analysis, Scientific Writing, and Dissemination: Interpret experimental results, conduct data analysis, and ensure quality control of analytical data. Develop research proposals, contribute to, and lead the preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, and conference abstracts. Present research findings at academic seminars, scientific conferences, and stakeholder meetings. Provide guest lectures in VIMS courses if requested.
• 10% - Instrumentation Management and Laboratory Operations: Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot complex analytical instrumentation. Oversee the procurement and inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment. Assist with lab safety compliance and the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs). Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory practices.
• 5% - Supervision and Mentorship: Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and research technicians as needed. Provide training in laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and scientific best practices.
• Salary commensurate with experience

Additional Job Description

Applies knowledge of toxicology, molecular biology or transportation research to perform the most technically complex research or analyses within individual or multiple scientific disciplines. Responsibilities include developing, managing and conducting highly specialized laboratory or scientific research that includes: overseeing the design, and implementation of scientific experiments and projects; developing topics for and leading multiple research projects; preparing technical reports and publications; preparing and conducting training and presentations; researching and preparation of grant proposals; managing project budgets and expenditures; designing and conducting the most complex scientific laboratory analyses; coordinating research efforts conducted by other medical or environmental scientists; developing and validating scientific methods and writing training, procedure and reference manuals; providing extensive technical assistance and consultative activities, and providing testimony as an expert witness. Frequent contacts with federal, state and local agencies; national or international organizations; physicians; faculty members; and officers of the court to provide technical assistance and consultation, develop research protocols and present new/innovative research findings, provide training and make presentations, and provide court testimony as an expert witness.

Job Profile

• JP0730 - Scientist IV - Exempt - Salary - S14
• Qualifications: Compensation Grade: S14
• Recruiting Start Date: 2026-02-20
• Review Date:

Position Restrictions

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Remote Work Disclaimer

Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

Company Culture

William & Mary and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) are vibrant, innovative and engaged communities and we are delighted about your interest in a career with us. Please be aware Workday has weekly downtimes and will be unavailable Fridays starting at 9:00 p.m. through Saturdays at noon (ET) for scheduled maintenance. During this time, the portal will be closed and will not accept applications.

Benefits

• William & Mary offers a competitive range of benefits that support employee well‑being and professional growth, including access to on‑campus fitness facilities, university libraries, and other wellness resources.
• Educational assistance, professional development opportunities, and a robust holiday schedule are also available.
• Learn more and explore our comprehensive benefits website.