Early-Career Research Scientist/Engineer- Aerosol & Environmental

ERG•Morrisville, NC

3d•$50,000 - $70,000

About The Position

ERG is seeking early-career scientists and engineers to support a diverse portfolio of laboratory, field, and applied research projects for the U.S. EPA. The role may contribute to aerobiology and aerosol research, including studies involving biological aerosols, as well as broader work in air quality and environmental measurements, microbiology, experimental systems, instrumentation, laboratory testing, and data analysis. The position is suited to someone with broad scientific or engineering interests who enjoys hands-on work and wants to gain experience across multiple technical areas. Assignments may include designing and conducting laboratory experiments; operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting scientific instrumentation; collecting and analyzing samples and data; supporting field studies; and developing or adapting experimental systems. Candidates are not expected to have experience in every area. ERG seeks people with strong technical fundamentals, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to learn quickly and contribute across varied scientific projects. Multiple positions may be filled. ERG is a research and consulting firm supporting federal, state, and commercial clients through multidisciplinary teams. It offers a flexible work environment and opportunities to develop a career. The qualified individual must be highly motivated and able to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

B.S. degree in environmental, mechanical, chemical, biomedical, or related engineering; chemistry; physics; microbiology; environmental science; atmospheric science; or a related scientific or technical discipline.
0–4 years of relevant professional experience.
Hands-on experience in a laboratory, field, engineering, or other technical environment through academic research, internships, employment, or comparable experience.
Strong analytical, quantitative, mechanical, and problem-solving skills.
Interest in scientific instrumentation, experimental systems, laboratory equipment, and/or environmental measurement technologies.
Ability to work across multiple technical disciplines and learn new scientific methods, procedures, and equipment.
Strong organizational, documentation, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to pass required background checks and pre-employment and random drug screenings.

Nice To Haves

Experience or academic research involving aerosols, aerobiology, microbiology, or related laboratory sciences.
Hands-on experience with aerosol generation, measurement, collection, characterization, or sample processing.
Experience with biosafety practices, procedures, and laboratory protocols.
Experience working in a BSL-2 and/or aerosol laboratory environment.
Experience conducting environmental or air-quality measurements and sampling.
Familiarity with scientific instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
Experience with laboratory experimental design, protocol development, or test-system development.
Experience developing, integrating, modifying, or applying instrumentation and/or commercial off-the-shelf equipment for research applications.
Experience with field sampling, environmental monitoring, or field-based research.
Knowledge of microbiology, aseptic technique, culture methods, molecular methods, or related laboratory practices.
Experience with data processing, analysis, visualization, or programming.
Familiarity with mechanical or electrical systems, sensors, controls, or instrumentation.
Experience troubleshooting, maintaining, calibrating, or repairing scientific or laboratory equipment.
Familiarity with QA/QC procedures, QAPPs, SOPs, or Good Laboratory Practice principles.
Experience preparing technical reports, procedures, protocols, laboratory records, or other technical documentation.

Responsibilities

Support aerosol and aerobiology research, including generation, sampling, characterization, and evaluation of biological and chemical aerosols in controlled experimental environments.
Contribute to laboratory, field, and applied research projects addressing environmental and public health questions.
Assist with designing, setting up, conducting, and documenting scientific experiments and testing programs.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot scientific instruments, aerosol measurement systems, sampling equipment, and experimental test systems.
Support the generation, collection, processing, and characterization of biological, chemical, and environmental samples as project needs require.
Perform laboratory activities that may include aerosol generation and measurement, microbiological techniques, environmental sampling, and chemical or physical analyses.
Assist with designing, developing, integrating, and testing experimental hardware, instrumentation, and research systems.
Collect, manage, analyze, interpret, and visualize experimental and environmental data.
Troubleshoot, maintain, modify, and repair laboratory and field equipment.
Maintain accurate laboratory records, project documentation, and data files.
Contribute to technical reports, presentations, procedures, protocols, and other project deliverables.
Support implementation of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) activities.
Follow applicable laboratory, field, biosafety, health, and safety procedures.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers on varied research and technical assignments.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Educational benefits
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
401(k) plan
Profit sharing
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
11–20 paid vacation days per year
10 paid holidays per year
At least 56 hours of sick leave per year, based on state of work; prorated for part-time