Environmental Analytical Chemist

The Environmental Analytical Chemist is part of the Civil and Environmental Engineering work unit at Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. The position is responsible for carrying out and facilitating advanced chemical analysis of aqueous solutions for environmental pollutants of concern including but not limited to semi-volatile, non-volatile and volatile organic compounds, inorganic constituents (e.g., heavy metals) and water quality parameters (e.g., anions, total organic carbon). The successful applicant provides operational, educational and research support in the laboratory areas related to faculty research and duties, develops and implements instrument-based and wet-chemistry-based analytical procedures, maintains and operates equipment, documents and communicates laboratory policies and ensures compliance with federal quality assurance/quality control requirements (QA-QC).

Duties and Qualifications

• Implement EPA standard methods for analysis of semi-volatile, non-volatile and volatile organic compounds by GC-MS, including sample preparation by solvent exchange or solid phase extraction and meeting all applicable QA-QC requirements
• Implement EPA standard methods for inorganic elemental analysis by ICP-MS, ICP-OES and ion chromatography, including sample preparation and meeting all applicable QA-QC requirements
• Develop or modify existing methods as necessary for organic and inorganic analyses to account for complex background matrices
• Assist with leaching test methods development and implementation
• Participate in standard operating procedures (SOPs) and/or sample preparation technique development (including documentation) on an as-needed basis to support faculty and student needs for selected analytical instrumentation
• Responsible for the training of students, post docs, and visiting scholars in the proper SOP for selected analytical instrumentation and procedures
• Report to lab leadership any major instrument, equipment, or process issue. Clearly present the problem and participate with resolving the problem
• Support on-going safety culture in the Environmental Engineering Laboratory. Maintaining situational awareness is a critical component of a safety culture
• Additional duties as assigned
  
  Qualifications
• Bachelors in chemistry or related field is necessary. Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred. Required to maintain all training certifications necessary and deemed appropriate for the position
• At least 5 years experience with gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and other instrumental methods preferred
• Analytical Experience
• GC-MS (primary preferred)
• Familiar with EPA Methods is preferred
• ICP-MS (secondary preferred)
• ICP-OES (secondary preferred)
• Ion Chromatography
• GC-FID
• Technical understanding of basic lab procedures, safety culture and compliance requirements is necessary
• Analytical and quantitative skills with meticulous attention to detail are necessary
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is necessary
• Good written and oral communication skills are necessary
• Good interpersonal skills are necessary
  
  Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  
  At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
  
  Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
  
  Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.