Skip to main content

This job has expired

Research Project Spec 1: Analytical Methods and Instrumentation Manager

Employer
Natural Resources Research Institute
Location
Duluth, Minnesota
Salary
$60,000-$75,000
Closing date
Dec 3, 2022

View more

Field of specialization
Analytical
Work Function
Laboratory
Job Type
Full time

Are you interested in applying your analytical chemistry skills to support cutting-edge applied research related to emerging contaminants and the environment? The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) in Duluth, MN is hiring an Analytical Methods and Instrumentation Manager to support to research projects related to legacy and emerging organic contaminants across the Institute and the University, including projects focused on contaminant fate and transport, water quality, treatment and remediation, and development of sustainable and novel materials. They will work within the NRRI Environmental Chemistry Laboratory and lead the day-to-day operations of the analytical facilities. Current instrumentation in the NRRI Environmental Chemistry Laboratory include liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS), gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QQQMS), automated solid phase extraction (SPE), and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). There will also be the opportunity to contribute to grant proposals and serve as Co-PI on new projects.

This is a Research Project Specialist 1 position with an anticipated starting salary range of $60,000 -$75,000, with salary commensurate on qualifications and experience.

Job Duties:
• Laboratory management. Oversee and coordinate data collection and ensure compliance with SOPs and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) criteria for multiple projects from research groups and laboratories across the Institute and University. Manage and train students or research support staff to implement SOPs and complete tasks in accordance with project timelines and grant deadlines.
• Instrument maintenance. Maintain instrumentation for advanced analytical techniques, including liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS), gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QQQMS), automated solid phase extraction (SPE), and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE).
• Method development. Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for analysis of trace organic contaminants in environmental samples, in accordance with requirements of specific projects and experiments.
• Budgeting and record-keeping. Maintain documentation for analytical service cost centers, including cost accounting for supplies, service records/agreements, and supplies and consumables. Prepare analytical service budgets for proposals, internal research projects, and external sales contracts. Monitor expenditures to ensure alignment with budget.
• Writing and reporting. Assist PIs with development of grant proposals, including work plans, analytical budgets, and timelines. Assist with manuscript preparation and grant reporting requirements.

Required Qualifications:
• A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, or related science or engineering field with a strong focus in Chemistry.
• Six years of relevant work experience; OR a master’s degree plus four years relevant work experience; Relevant experience includes operation and maintenance analytical instrumentation for advanced mass spectrometry techniques (i.e., tandem mass spectrometry and/or high-resolution mass spectrometry) in combination with liquid and/or gas chromatography techniques, as well as laboratory techniques for preparation of environmental samples for quantitative chemical analysis.
• Effective oral communication and technical writing skills in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; or equivalent software.

Preferred Qualifications:
• A PhD in Chemistry or related science and engineering field and a record of oral presentations and peer-reviewed publications in English.
• One or more years of postdoctoral research experience, or one or more years of experience working in a certified contract analytical laboratory or a government agency laboratory.
• Experience with liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) for suspect screening and nontarget analysis of unknown contaminants.
• Experience with analysis of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
• Experience with gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QQQMS).
• Experience with extraction of contaminants from complex environmental samples, including soils, sediments, and biological tissues.
• Experience training, managing, and/or mentoring students, interns, and/or laboratory support staff.
• Experience with project management and budget management.
• Experience with R studio or similar software.

About Duluth:

Duluth is located on the coast of Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota and has an active aquatic research community, providing the opportunity to collaborate with researchers at the University of Minnesota Duluth, the Large Lake Observatory, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency Midcontinent Ecology Division, and various industrial partners. Eligible PIs at NRRI are able to advise graduate students from the Water Resources Science graduate program, drawing doctoral and masters students from across the Midwest and the nation. Further, Duluth is nationally recognized for its exceptional array of opportunities for outdoor recreation, being recognized by Outdoor Magazine as the winner of the Outside’s Best Town competition in 2014.

Applications must be submitted online. To apply for this position, go to http://www.umn.edu/ohr/employment/  and search for job opening 352330.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application and attach a resume and cover letter. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. 

 

Application packets must include:

 

  • A cover letter (up to two pages) describing your interest in the position and explicitly stating your qualifications as they relate to the required and preferred qualifications.
  • A curriculum vitae detailing educational background, professional appointments, analytical and instrumentation skills, and publications and presentations (please indicate the language of oral presentations).
  • A document as lead author that demonstrates technical writing abilities in English, such as a peer-reviewed publication or a technical report. This will be used to confirm the applicant meets minimum qualifications 3 and 4.
  • Contact information for three professional references.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:http://diversity.umn.edu.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
  • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs. supported by the Regents Scholarship.
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
  • University HSA contributions.
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
  • Employee wellbeing program.
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
  • Financial counseling services. 
  • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert