Environmental Analytical Chemist

Public Health Institute (PHI) seeks a fulltime Research Associate IV to work with The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at the Department of Toxic Substances Control. The incumbent will work with the programs and outside stake holders to conduct research and analysis of toxic and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and non-targeted chemicals in humans and wildlife, products, dust and the environment. The position will develop and validate complex analytical methods using scientific theories and principles to identify and measure unknown or regulated chemicals of potentially emerging concerns/interests to the programs and stake holders, identify exposure pathways, and protect public health and the environment.

This position is based in Berkeley, California.

Pay: $65,086 to $79,722 per year. The typical hiring range for this position is $65,086 to $79,722 based on 100% FTE. The starting salary is determined based on the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and experience.

Employment Type: Full Time

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Method development, optimization, and validation for target and non-targeted chemicals of emerging concern in biota and environmental samples.
• Prepare samples and apply complex analytical methods to determine trace levels of environmental contaminants using GC and/or LC-QTOF/MS, and other mass spectrometers including GC and/or LC-MS/MS.
• Maintain and troubleshoot the instrument.
• Ensure that laboratory procedures are adhered to QA/QC and other procedures in compliance with ISO17025.
• Prepare final report, interpret data and results, present at workshop and national/international scientific conference, and write publications to peer review journals.
• Requires good communication skills in both writing and oral.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5 years of related research experience including:

1. Hands on experience in trace organic analysis (preferably biota samples), solvent extraction and column chromatography procedures, and familiarity with data analysis using spreadsheets, statistical software or databases (e.g., Excel, MiniTab, STATA).
2. Experience in sample preparation, instrument analysis or related field.
3. Experience using knowledge in organic chemistry and mass spectrometry.

• Hepatitis B vaccination required.
• Bachelor’s degree in science or quantitative field, or you can substitute with four additional years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience on exposomics and metabolomics using high resolution MS including GC-HRMS, GC and/or LC-QTOF/MS.
• Being able to work both efficiently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment, and publication records.
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) STATUS

This position is classified as exempt based on the job duties. However, based on the FTE, salary level of the employee, or federal/state/local laws, the employee may be classified as nonexempt.

PHI WORKFORCE MANDATORY COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

Per the PHI Workforce Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is a condition of employment for all domestic based employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless they are granted a reasonable accommodation under applicable law.

New hires need to provide proof of full vaccination prior to their start date or apply for an exemption/accommodation within three business days after their start date. Depending on the circumstances, new hires who do not comply with this Policy, or who cannot be reasonably accommodated, will either have their employment suspended or terminated. Candidates who are non-compliant will have their offers rescinded.

EEO Statement

The Public Health Institute is committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition including genetic characteristics, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identification and expression, sexual orientation, and to make all employment decisions so as to further this principle of equal employment opportunity. To this end, the PHI will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition including genetic characteristics, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identification and expression, sexual orientation, and will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are offered employment and employees are treated during employment without regard to these characteristics.

For further information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

ADA Statement:

The Public Health Institute is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Recruitment Team at least 48 hours in advance at Recruitment@phi.org.

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