Research Assistant III (Trace Elements Lab)

Dartmouth College•Hanover, NH

63d•$52,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Trace Element Analysis Resource (TEAR) is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant (RA) at the BS or MS level to serve as the primary scientist for quantitative analysis of PFAS in waters, biological tissues and soil using LC-MS/MS in this new service area for the resource. Working with the Director and Lab Manager, the RA will on-board standard EPA methods for PFAS sample preparation and analysis, utilizing a Waters Acquity Premier LC and a Xevo TQ Absolute MS system. The preferred candidate will have a strong understanding of liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection, ideally for PFAS analysis, and experience with wet chemistry (e.g. solid phase extractions and other forms of sample purification, concentration, and clean up). An understanding of, and experience with, clean chemistry techniques is also preferred. The applicant must be organized, able to manage multiple projects, make independent decisions, and interface effectively with our highly collaborative team. He/she must also be willing to carry out administrative tasks such as billing, providing quotes to customers and writing new protocols and SOPs as necessary. The RA III will be an integral part of the operations and ultimate success of the TEAR, a fee-for-service core facility dedicated to providing state-of-the-art elemental and environmental services and expertise to Dartmouth faculty and external clients to advance their research goals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry or the equivalent.
Five years of related experience.
Proven organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Analytical/quantitative skills, Critical thinking, Detail oriented, Interpersonal skills, Planning/Organizational skills, Reliable
Ability to work independently, taking initiative to advance projects.
Demonstrated experience with liquid chromatography.
Ability to use sound judgment and communicate effectively with users and facility staff.
Ability to effectively collaborate and interact with all levels of staff and management.
Willingness to assist with administrative tasks including generating quotes and billing for services.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree with a major in chemistry or the equivalent.
Experience working in a core facility or other customer-facing or service-oriented role.
Experience optimizing workflows to increase efficiency and improve turnaround times.
Experience with PFAS analysis using LC-MS/MS
Familiarity with EPA standard methods for PFAS sample preparation in water, biological tissues, and soil
Analytical chemistry lab experience in a clean-lab with contamination control
Possess analytical chemistry skills and experience, including chromatographic separations and mass spectrometry
Have specific experience in LC-MS analysis of PFAS or other organohalogen compounds
Ability to manage a small team of staff scientists.

Responsibilities

Conduct experiments and sample preparation and analyses by applying established methods and procedures.
Execute wet-lab experiments using established protocols with minimal oversight.
Participate in discussions with researchers involving experimental design and data interpretation.
Manage the day-to-day to day operations of the LC-MS/MS system.
Develop and modify SOPs to enable new workflows.
Do sample preparation and instrumental analysis methods development as well as routine analysis, data reduction and reporting.
Collaborate with lab researchers to investigate and develop modifications to techniques and document all new techniques developed in the laboratory.
Oversee purchasing of lab supplies
Supervise undergraduates
Train users on the use of instrumentation.
Adhere to laboratory safety requirements including general and chemical/hazardous waste safety disposal methods.
Anticipate unexpected findings and assists in trouble-shoots techniques.
Reconcile results that are disparate from anticipated findings, and re-run techniques as necessary.
Work with electronic systems for sample tracking, data entry and managing customer orders.
Assist with data processing and delivery.
Work in a collaborative environment and participate in team meetings.
Be present during normal business hours (9a-5p), with occasional work after hours.
Present at local, regional, and national meetings to expand the visibility of the core.
Engage in professional development opportunities such as workshops and courses to acquire new skills.
Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all.
Performs other duties as assigned