Environmental Chemist

JES Tech•Houston, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers and dreamers and we all share one goal: to improve the world responsibly and safely. On the Human Health and Performance Contract we are at the forefront of safeguarding astronaut health, ensuring human performance, and advancing technologies for human space exploration. We are seeking a Scientist II at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX. What You’ll Do: In this role, you will provide technical and analytical chemistry support for the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (ECL) in the Biomedical and Environmental Research Department part of the Human Health and Performance Contract 2 (HHPC) supporting NASA at JSC. The major focus of the position will be the analysis of air and liquid samples from both ground-based tests with sample matrices to be analyzed varying from compressed gas, air, water, wastewater, and other metabolic product samples. Additionally, this position will operate and maintain sophisticated instrumentation operated within the ECL. This position also requires the chemist to remain aware of changes in program specifications and requirements.

Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED A bachelor’s degree in a relevant physical science (e.g. chemistry, biology, physics or related field).
Laboratory experience
Excellent data management skills, organization, documentation skills, and ability to think independently
Excellent technical skills, technical writing, and data presentation skills
Excellent ability to interact and communicate with others
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency and the ability to successfully obtain a Public Trust Security Clearance is required.

Nice To Haves

Ability to perform needed tasks on an individual basis with limited supervision
Excellent data management and data entry accuracy skills
Ability to evaluate, select, and apply specialized knowledge to achieve task completion
Ability to demonstrate advanced competence in adaptation or modification of standard techniques
Ability to be responsible for completion of multiple or complex projects
Excellent multi-tasking, organization, and documentation skills
Experience with ISO 9001/9100 quality systems
Experience with Fournier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Experience with Agilent Gas Chromatograph with Thermal Conductivity Detector, Flame Ionization Detector and Mass Spectrometer
Experience with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Experience with quality procedures associated with high profile samples.

Responsibilities

Responsible for compliance with Safety, Health and Environmental plan; must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all the Company’s safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.
Responsible for compliance with the Quality Assurance Plan, policies and procedures.
Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance level as determined by the Company.
Responsible for completing all assigned training in a timely manner.
Review data acquisition and analysis processes and develop SOPs for defined testing.
Become proficient in standard laboratory assays and protocols.
Assist with preparation of data summary charts as required.
Attend laboratory meetings as required.
Other duties may be assigned as the needs of the laboratory change.
Perform analysis of archival spaceflight samples, ground-based projects, and controls according to established protocols and process data.
Manage workload, review and report results, and query historical data using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation as needed.
Knowledge of ISO 9001/9100 quality systems as related to environmental sample analysis with research emphasis and method development.
Preparation of external standards for identification and quantitation of target compounds.
Prepare test methods, test plans, and technical papers as required.
Develop and evaluate new analytical methods and work instructions as required for special samples or specific compounds as requested by the customer.
Prepare and submit purchase requests for equipment and laboratory supplies as needed. This may include conducting market surveys, obtaining of cost estimates, and preparing necessary forms and justifications.
Review product literature, publish laboratory results, and attend workshops and/or conferences to maintain technical proficiency and update skills.
Work with pressure systems including compressed gas cylinders, regulators, associated fittings, and gas delivery systems.
Other duties may be assigned as the needs of the laboratory change