Research Chemist

Salary Info: $128,136 - $155,760 Annually, Plus Excellent Benefits + Retirement

Opens online at www.ebmud.com/jobs on Monday, October 7, 2024

Online applications must be received by 4:30 p.m., Friday, October 18, 2024

Internal Reference # 24-127

The Research Chemist position is a career opportunity for a motivated and established professional. The Research Chemist plans, directs and performs new method validation and complex applied chemistry research in the identification and quantitation of chemical compounds present in water, wastewater and other environmental matrices using highly sophisticated laboratory instruments including GC/MS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS and their associated data processing systems. In addition, the Research Chemist routinely performs production environmental analyses and trains staff up to 60% of the time. Areas of responsibility include:

Technical expertise and leadership

Operating and training others in the operation of the GC/MS, ICP-MS, or other instrumentation to detect, identify, and quantitate various organic or inorganic compounds; acting as technical lead in the assigned area.

Developing or modifying technical procedures in the operation of the GC/MS or ICP-MS instruments and in other analytical procedures or instruments; planning, writing and organizing applications, proposals, submittals, and researching and making recommendations on the scope and goals of assigned projects.

Developing new or optimizing existing analytical methods and procedures based on contaminants of emerging concern, special projects or regulatory changes.

Calibrating and evaluating instrument capability, troubleshooting, and making appropriate adjustments or modifications to procedures/instrumentation.

Collaborating on or leading applied research projects, including preparation of proposals, applications and project plan, schedule and budget development.

Preparing and updating written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures and documentation.

Providing input and making recommendations regarding laboratory goals and program planning and scheduling; assisting in implementing, evaluating, and monitoring the application of methods and protocols per the established laboratory QA/QC standards within the assigned area.

Conferring with other East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) employees, representatives of governmental, industry and other professional organizations on matters related to assigned research or continuous laboratory improvement projects.

Responding to client questions and explaining scientific concepts or data to client's satisfaction.

Keeping current on technology to optimize laboratory work, advising supervisor and planning for budget development including instrument purchases.

Evaluating new instrumentation and equipment for improved efficiency.

Taking the lead or assisting chemists to validate and obtain certification for new analytical instrumentation and methods.

Troubleshooting instruments, methods and procedures to assist chemists and technicians.

Reviewing data for scientific accuracy and QA/QC compliance.

Independently researching literature, designing experiments, interpreting results, writing reports and advising team members.

Calibrating and evaluating instrument capability and making appropriate adjustments or modifications to procedures. Providing evaluation and recommendations for instrument purchases, as required.

Data and report management

Using and maintaining a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); assisting in the resolution of issues such as data upload and management system errors.

Using and developing spreadsheets for data analyses, calculations and interpretation; effectively utilizing data mining tools.

Maintaining records of scientific data and other documentation; may prepare technical reports, presentations, and scientific papers for publication, memoranda, and other documents.

Identifying applied research opportunities and submitting credible, comprehensive proposals.

Regulatory support:

Keeping abreast of current regulations affecting environmental laboratory compliance.

Reviewing proposed regulations and advising EBMUD of consequences; proposing appropriate alternatives.

The Research Chemist is the technical lead in instrumental analysis of environmental samples. The ideal candidate would blend experience in a production laboratory setting with innovative analytical work to support applied research.

The salary range is $10,678 per month increasing to $11,212, $11,773, $12,362 and $12,980 after 6, 18, 30, and 42 months, respectively.

EBMUD offers an excellent benefits program that includes paid vacation, holidays and sick leave; family health insurance coverage; family dental and vision care plans; retirement plan (reciprocal with CalPERS); 401(k), 401(a) and 457(b) tax-deferred retirement plans; transit subsidy; tuition reimbursement; and opportunities for professional growth including training and career development.

Requirements:

1. A bachelor’s degree with major work in organic or inorganic chemistry.

2. Four years’ experience conducting complex quantitative organic chemical analyses, one year of which must have included independent applied research using GC/MS or closely related technology.

3. Visual acuity to read materials in print, on the computer, mobile devices, and to discern color variation; hearing sufficient to communicate in person and on the telephone; physical capacity to sit for prolonged periods of time; manual dexterity to operate a keyboard and equipment; sufficient physical mobility to travel from site to site; sufficient agility to climb stairs and traverse uneven terrain; and maintain a physical condition necessary for standing, walking, or bending for prolonged periods of time. Must possess physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job. Must be willing to work overtime as needed.

Submit a completed EBMUD application and the required supplemental question responses online at www.ebmud.com/jobs by 4:30 p.m., Friday, October 18, 2024. Only application materials submitted online during the filing period will be accepted.

EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disability

www.ebmud.com

Job Hotline: (510) 287-0735