Research Scientist 5, G31, Division of Environmental Health Sciences

The Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, is seeking an outstanding research scientist at the Assistant or Associate Professor level to establish a competitive, extramurally funded, research program in the general area of Inorganic Environmental Monitoring. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an independent research program and lead a small public health laboratory focused on environmental testing of unknown white powders, and asbestos-containing materials. The research program can be at the intersection of inorganic chemistry, environmental medicine, and public health, and should complement existing strengths within the Center. The successful applicant will join an interactive group of research scientists, which will expand the Center’s existing world-class program in environmental health sciences (www.wadsworth.org/research/areas/environmental-health).

Research interests may include:

• Studying the relationship between geological factors and health problems in humans, such as exposure to minerals, and inhalation of ambient and anthropogenic mineral dusts Human exposure to asbestos, and asbestos-related diseases, including health effects from exposure to asbestos-containing materials Development of novel analytical methods for characterizing hazardous materials, based on; scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), polarized light microscopy (PLM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and/or Energy Dispersive (ED) X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) Metrological challenges quantifying human exposure to nanoparticles in ambient, indoor, and workplace air, drinking water and settled dust and their associated impacts on human health

The Wadsworth Center (www.wadsworth.org) is the most comprehensive state-public-health laboratory in the country, and includes a dynamic research atmosphere focused on infectious, genetic, and environmental diseases and their impact on human health. Applicants employing innovative, cutting-edge techniques in these areas are especially encouraged to apply.

Minimum Qualifications: a doctorate in chemistry, physics, geology or the material sciences and three years of professional research experience, or a master’s degree in the above and five years of such experience.

Preferred Qualifications: a qualified PhD with postdoctoral experience in aspects of environmental monitoring, as evidenced by publications, and demonstrated knowledge of current state-of-the-art technologies used to detect and characterize inorganic materials in environmental samples.

The successful applicant will receive a start-up package, 12-month salary, and access to state-of-the-art TEM, PLM, FTIR, and XRF instrumentation. An optional joint academic appointment is available to appropriately qualified candidates through the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, based within the University at Albany, College of Integrated Health Sciences (www.albany.edu/cihs/environmental-health-sciences).

Applicants should submit their curriculum vitae, a 1-2 page narrative of the proposed research and a summary of laboratory management experience, and the names/contact information of at least three references to resume@health.ny.gov with NMH/RS 5/11421 in the subject line or by mail to Human Resources Management Group, NMH/RS 5/11421, Rm 2217, Corning Tower Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237-0012, or by fax to (518) 473-3395.  Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. 

New York State offers a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:  Holiday & Paid Time Off: 13 paid holidays annually; 13 days of paid vacation leave annually, 5 days of paid personal leave annually, 13 days of paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA, 3 days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development; Health Care Benefits: Employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs, family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost; Additional Benefits include: Retirement System Membership, Deferred Compensation, Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

For more information on the NYS Department of Health’s Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan, please visit: https://health.ny.gov/commissioner/mvv.htm.  AA/EOE

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