NADP Laboratory Quality Assurance Specialist

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

2d • $65,000

About The Position

This position serves as the Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. The NADP is a nationwide network dedicated to monitoring the chemistry of precipitation and atmospheric deposition across the United States. Established in 1978, the program collects and analyzes weekly precipitation samples from hundreds of monitoring sites to examine trends in concentrations and deposition of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, ammonia, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The data generated by NADP supports critical research into acid rain, nutrient cycling, ecosystem health, and the effectiveness of air quality regulations. The program operates through a collaborative partnership among federal and state agencies, universities, tribes, and other organizations, and its long-term datasets are widely used by scientists, policymakers, and land managers to assess environmental trends and inform decisions related to air and water quality protection. The QA Specialist is responsible for overseeing the quality of laboratory analytical data and the quality of field operations. Specifically, this position prepares and manages program quality assurance and quality control documentation for all data collected under NADP, including standard operating protocols (SOPs), Quality Assurance Plans (QAPs), and Quality Assurance Reports (QARs). This role conducts quality audits to ensure compliance with program plans and goals, monitors analytical and supply quality control (QC), and directs corrective actions where needed. This position establishes QC limits and Method Detection Limits (MDLs), manages Proficiency Testing (PT) participation, and monitors staff compliance in consultation with other managers. Additionally, laboratory and field improvement studies are planned, conducted, and evaluated by this role. This position prepares and updates training materials, consults with the Systems Quality Assurance Lead on a scheduled basis and as needed, and leads and participates in quality assurance committees. This role leads the NADP Quality Assurance Advisory Group (QAAG) and presents QA updates at NADP conferences and meetings, contributing to the broader program's commitment to data integrity and scientific rigor. The ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced support environment is critical to success in this role.

Requirements

• A minimum of at least two years experience with quality assurance responsibilities is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary, as this role involves regular interaction with site operators, program staff, and external partners.
• The candidate must be comfortable developing and delivering technical training materials and SOPs for a variety of audiences.
• A bachelor's degree in atmospheric science, environmental science, hydrology, or a related field is required.
• An official (or copy of an official) transcript showing conferred degree will be required as a condition of employment.
• For degrees earned outside of the United States, proof of qualification equivalency is required and must be performed by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Association Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) (http://www.naces.org) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (http://www.aice-eval.org).
• Course by course review is required for candidates demonstrating ability to meet CLIA qualifications.
• The candidate is responsible for all expenses related to acquiring and providing proof of qualifications.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with quality assurance and quality control documentation, including the preparation of QAPs and QARs, is strongly preferred.
• Experience with large-scale environmental monitoring is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the evaluation of laboratory workflows and procedures including occurrence management processing and documentation. Makes recommendations for continuous quality improvement and assures laboratory accreditation requirements are met
• Performs internal and external laboratory audits as needed and responds to audit requests to ensure compliance with regulatory and technical requirements
• Serves as a main point of contact to organizational leadership and accreditation agencies, provides project information, and updates and maintains a portion of a project-specific budget
• Prepares, organizes, generates, and reviews laboratory workflows and process improvement, documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) test records
• Assures the review of equipment calibration and preventive maintenance records to ensure optimal, safe operation and accreditation documentation requirements are met
• Creates and updates training materials and monitors staff compliance with established accreditation requirements and laboratory best practices

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees