Visiting Associate Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry - Illinois State Water Survey, PRI

About the role

Service as Section Head of the Health and Environmental Applications Laboratory (HEAL). Provide expert support in developing and maintaining laboratory Quality Systems to achieve and maintain accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025 and related accreditation standards. Oversees all quality control activities including training and support of laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

• Research - Chemical Laboratory 55%

• Serve as Principal Investigator for externally funded research grants and contracts, including new proposal development and delivery of sponsor-required outputs.
• Seek out fee-for-service analytical opportunities across PRI, UIUC, and globally.
• Provide strategic leadership and make high level decisions impacting laboratory operations, including service and analysis offerings, client outreach and development, and overall business functions.
• Oversee personnel management, including supervision of laboratory staff, hiring, onboarding, performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and prioritization of staff responsibilities.
• In coordination with the Laboratory Manager and ISWS leadership, ensure staff are trained and adhering to Standard Operating Procedures and safety practices.
• Maintain familiarity with new and existing laboratory methods and analytical approaches.
• Collaborate with instrument troubleshooting in coordination with the Laboratory Manager.
• Lead innovative and original research efforts in water analytics.
• Submit proposals to external funding agencies to support original research objectives.
• Collaborate with other ISWS, PRI, UIUC, and external scientists to draft successful proposals and perform water-related research.

• Research - Laboratory Technical Oversight 25%

• Stay current with developments in analytical methodologies, instrumentation, and client/research needs to ensure laboratory services align with best practices and proactively address emerging analytical research needs.
• Maintain familiarity with new and existing laboratory methods and analytical approaches.
• Avoid instrument maintenance and lifecycle planning.
• Collaborate with instrument troubleshooting in coordination with the Laboratory Manager.
• Lead innovative and original research efforts in water analytics.
• Submit proposals to external funding agencies to support original research objectives.
• Collaborate with other ISWS, PRI, UIUC, and external scientists to draft successful proposals and perform water-related research.

• Research Quality Assurance 10%

• Work closely with the Quality Assurance staff to review, approve, and report data in a timely manner.
• Collaborate to resolve analytical issues, data quality concerns, and other factors affecting data integrity and reporting.

• Professional Engagement 10%

• Lead laboratory staff meetings and participate in PRI and ISWS meetings to remain aligned with organizational priorities.
• Congduct outreach to expand the laboratory client base and strengthen engagement with UIUC, PRI, and external partners.
• Stay current with developments in the discipline through training, conferences, and professional activities; travel may be required.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support the mission and goals of PRI and the University of Illinois.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications

• PhD with ≥5 yrs. professional experience, or MS/MA with ≥8 yrs. professional experience, or BS/BA with ≥10 yrs. professional experience in chemistry laboratory.
• Experience directing or managing a fee for service laboratory or cost recovery operation.
• Familiarity with academic, governmental, or contract research work settings.
• Experience developing client relationships, expanding services, and supporting program growth.
• Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
• Demonstrated ability to serve as Principal Investigator on externally funded projects, including proposal development, sponsor communication, and delivery of project outcomes.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to make independent, high level decisions affecting laboratory operations, strategy, and direction.
• Proven experience managing personnel, including hiring, supervision, performance management, conflict resolution, and workforce planning.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee laboratory operations and ensure compliance with SOPs, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, monitoring expenditures, and coordinating with accounting and grants/contracts personnel.
• Experience developing and managing service rates in accordance with institutional or governmental costing requirements.
• Knowledge of invoicing processes, financial tracking, and account management; familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for directing a team and with the ability to serve as the primary point of contact for sponsors, auditors, institutional stakeholders, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct internal reviews and audits and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and compliance.
• Experience with procurement, purchasing, and expense reporting within institutional guidelines.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and operational demands in a complex environment.

Benefits

• The University of Illinois System offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security.
• This position is intended to be eligible for benefits.
• The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.