Analytical Chemist - Illinois Fire Service Institute

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

10d

About The Position

The Analytical Chemist supports the Illinois Fire Service Institute’s research initiatives focused on improving the health and safety of first responders. The position conducts analytical chemistry research, develops and validates analytical methods, and performs quantitative analyses of biological and environmental samples to assess occupational exposures. It operates, maintains, and optimizes analytical instrumentation, ensures the accuracy and reliability of research data, and collaborates with interdisciplinary research teams to advance the Institute’s research objectives. The role also supports laboratory operations and research activities involving human participants and biological specimens, contributes to scientific communications and funding proposals, and coordinates with instrument manufacturers and technical specialists. The position is a 100% full-time Academic Professional appointment on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after February 1, 2027. The salary range is $75,000–$90,000.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Toxicology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
Demonstrated research experience in analytical chemistry, particularly method development, optimization, validation, and quantitative analysis.
Hands-on experience with chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques, such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, or ICP-MS.
Experience with sample preparation, instrument operation, analytical data processing, and interpretation of results.
Knowledge of analytical quality assurance and quality control principles and laboratory best practices.
Strong troubleshooting, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to document analytical procedures and communicate scientific findings.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple analytical tasks and research priorities.
Proficiency with standard scientific computing and data management tools, including Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

Experience analyzing biological matrices, including human serum, plasma, urine, or other biospecimens.
Experience in biomonitoring, toxicology, environmental chemistry, occupational exposure assessment, or related research areas.
Experience developing and validating methods for trace-level chemical analysis.
Familiarity with human-subjects research, biospecimen handling, and institutional regulatory requirements, including IRB, IBC, or IACUC procedures.
Experience with laboratory instrumentation maintenance, inventory management, equipment acquisition, and laboratory organization.
Experience with statistical analysis, data visualization, or scientific programming tools such as Python or SPSS.
Familiarity with research data management platforms such as REDCap, Qualtrics, Box, or GitHub.
Experience contributing to grant proposals, scientific publications, or research presentations.
Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary research teams and external research partners.

Responsibilities

Develop, optimize, validate, and implement analytical methods to detect and quantify chemical compounds in biological matrices and other research samples.
Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses using chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques, including HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS as appropriate.
Prepare and process biological and other research samples using appropriate extraction, cleanup, and analytical procedures.
Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize analytical instruments and associated software.
Process, analyze, interpret, and document analytical data, applying appropriate quality assurance and quality control procedures.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, analytical protocols, laboratory documentation, and quality control records.
Collaborate with investigators and research staff on experimental design, analytical strategies, data interpretation, and integration of analytical findings into research outcomes.
Contribute to scientific manuscripts, conference presentations, technical reports, and research summaries.
Assist with research proposals, funding opportunity identification, and grant applications for analytical chemistry and first-responder health research programs.
Support research involving human participants and biological specimens, including sample collection and processing as needed and in accordance with approved protocols and institutional requirements.
Maintain laboratory operations, including inventory, procurement, equipment coordination, and laboratory safety practices.
Coordinate with instrument manufacturers, service engineers, and technical specialists on instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
Participate in interdisciplinary research meetings and academic and community events as an IFSI representative.