Part-time Environmental Analytical Chemist, Civil Engineering

Position Summary

The Environmental Analytical Chemist 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).

About the Work Unit

Vanderbilt’s Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) department vision is to be one of the foremost Civil and Environmental Engineering programs in effecting tangible change to resolve problems of critical importance to humanity in the built environment and the natural world through inspired teaching, research and service, and to maintain a culture of leadership within an educational setting that values research innovation and impact.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

• 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, ICPOES 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.
• Absorb or implement leaching test methods development and implementation.
• Assist with 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.
• 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.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s in chemistry or related field is necessary.
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred.

Experience and Skills

• At least 5 years’ experience with one or more of the following instruments: gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES).
• Analytical Experience: GC-MS (preferred), ICP-MS (preferred), ICP-OES (secondary preferred).
• Familiar with EPA Standard Methods is preferred.
• Ion Chromatography.
• Technical understanding of basic lab procedures, safety culture and compliance requirements.
• Analytical and quantitative skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is necessary.