Assistant Research Scientist (Toxic Substances)

Health Research, Inc. • Albany, NY

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Health Research, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist to work within the Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment (BTSA), New York State Department of Health. The Assistant Research Scientist will work with state and local partners as well as school district personnel to assist in improving knowledge and awareness of school environmental health issues through an existing Department of Health program, the New York State School Environmental Health Program. The incumbent will work with schools, including public, private, and tribal schools, and disadvantaged schools. As part of an existing team, the incumbent will assist schools with understanding and implementing best practices in school environmental health to improve indoor air quality and, in turn, improve the health and learning of school-aged children, as well as the working conditions of staff. This work will include assisting to perform indoor air quality assessments and preparing subsequent technical reports to summarize findings. The incumbent will also assist in the preparation and presentation of other technical materials about ways to control, reduce, and eliminate exposures in schools. The School Environmental Health Program has eight other focus areas that will also be addressed including climate action, water quality, and more.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and one year of research experience; OR a Master’s degree in a related field.
• Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables, is required.
• The selected candidate must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the official work location specified in the job posting and must also be located in or willing to relocate to one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, or Massachusetts, prior to hire.

Nice To Haves

• Degree and/or experience in industrial hygiene or public health
• Academic or working knowledge and understanding of indoor air quality
• Working knowledge of the effects of chemicals and materials on the body and the environment
• Knowledge of federal and state building regulations
• Experience working in or with K-12 schools
• Experience working with a multidisciplinary group of professionals
• Experience communicating, both verbally and in writing, with a variety of audiences.

Responsibilities

• Assist in improving knowledge and awareness of school environmental health issues
• Work with schools to implement best practices in school environmental health to improve indoor air quality
• Perform indoor air quality assessments and prepare technical reports
• Assist in the preparation and presentation of other technical materials about ways to control, reduce, and eliminate exposures in schools
• Address focus areas including climate action and water quality

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance - Several comprehensive health insurance plans to choose from
• Flexible benefit accounts - Medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking and transit
• Generous paid time off - Paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation and personal leave
• Tuition support - Assistance is available for individuals pursuing educational or training opportunities
• Retirement Benefits - HRI is a participating employer in the New York State and Local Retirement System and offers optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan. HRI provides a postretirement Health Benefits Plan for qualified retirees to use towards health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses
• Employee Assistance Program - Provides educational and wellness programs, training, and 24/7 confidential services to assist employees, both personally and professionally

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees