Research Associate II, Chemist

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

4d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

An individual experienced in quantitative analysis of nutrients in foods, Standard Operating Procedures (writing, following), principles and implementation of analytical quality control and documentation, data analysis (spreadsheet, statistical), performance of GC and HPLC analyses and routine equipment maintenance, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work independently and take initiative in problem solving is needed to work on a sponsored research project in the Food Analysis Laboratory in the Biochemistry Department. The individual will, after consultation with the PI about project goals, be expected to become familiar with the analytical methods and components being analyzed, the chemistry involved, and organize work to systematically set up and validate assay methods (initially, starting from established SOPs for assays not currently being run (analysis of phytosterols, fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin C in foods) but needing to be brought back online for analysis of research study samples, and then to analyze samples. Later the work might involve setting up new methods, and contributing to research on methodology. The methods involve liquid/liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, precise gravimetric measurements, and quantitative HPLC and GC analysis. The person will be responsible for routine maintenance and operation of two HPLC and two GC instruments, including troubleshooting analytical issues, and must have experience and competence actually doing this. The individual will also be responsible for a variety of sample preparation equipment (including homogenizers, sonicators, centrifuges, evaporators, solid phase extraction apparatus, gas cylinders, fume hoods, dry baths, vacuum and forced air ovens, analytical balances, shakers, water baths, etc.), and will provide technical expertise to junior staff, assist as needed with food sample preparation and and control materials, as well as assist the PI with publications. This work is part of sponsored research that would be performed for one year, starting at the end of September 2026. Because of the timeframe and deliverables required (i.e. results for samples and need for someone to be in charge of equipment), the individual must have sufficient experience, competence, attention to detail, and communication skills to start generating results with consistently acceptable precision and accuracy. Directions given and received: After conferring with the PI on project goals, the individual is expected to develop detailed plans to organize and conduct the work independently, conferring as necessary with the supervisor, to organize timelines to meet project deadlines. Keeps the P.I. informed of any problems and personnel needs, including that of other laboratory personnel, conferring as necessary but taking the lead in problem solving and supervision of analytical work in the laboratory. The initial project will be to set up an existing SOP and QC measures to analyze phytosterols in grain samples and begin assaying study sample within six weeks of the first day of employment, with minimal supervision and guidance, and achieving results with consistently acceptable accuracy and precision.

Requirements

Master’s degree or bachelor's with a minimum of 3-years post-degree experience in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, food chemistry, or a closely related field.
Extensive hands-on experience with gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and automated chromatography software for quantitative analysis of components biological materials, preferably nutrients in foods.
Experience with a variety of analytical techniques and equipment, including lipid extraction, solid phase extraction, gravimetric analysis.
Experience and competence in performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting of GC and HPLC systems.
Experience in all steps of quantitative analysis of food samples for organic nutrients particularly lipids (including sterols, fatty acids).
Demonstrable understanding of quality control and method validation criteria and ability to consistently produce data with accuracy and precision.
Competence in statistical analysis of data and use of Microsoft Excel for analysis and presentation of data.
Knowledge of and experience in application of quality control/quality assurance in quality control/quality assurance of quantitative analytical chemistry processes and data.
Experienced with Standard Operating Procedures (writing, implementation) and documentation.
Demonstrated ability to work independently to organize work to meet project timelines.
Ability to communicate effectively with the P.I. to discuss ideas, plans, and results.
Effective communication skills.
Organized, with attention to detail in documentation and analytical rigor.
Ability to lift and move equipment over 25 pounds.
Ability to work with hazardous materials, and standing, walking, stooping and bending for long periods.

Nice To Haves

Experience with GC-MS operation and data interpretation.
Experience training and supervising laboratory staff.
Experience with quantitative analysis of fatty acids, total lipid, sterols, vitamin C, vitamin D, and/or dietary fiber.

Responsibilities

Become familiar with analytical methods and components being analyzed, and the chemistry involved.
Organize work to systematically set up and validate assay methods.
Analyze research study samples.
Set up new methods and contribute to research on methodology.
Perform routine maintenance and operation of two HPLC and two GC instruments, including troubleshooting analytical issues.
Be responsible for a variety of sample preparation equipment.
Provide technical expertise to junior staff.
Assist with food sample preparation and control materials.
Assist the PI with publications.
Develop detailed plans to organize and conduct work independently.
Organize timelines to meet project deadlines.
Keep the P.I. informed of any problems and personnel needs.
Take the lead in problem solving and supervision of analytical work in the laboratory.
Set up an existing SOP and QC measures to analyze phytosterols in grain samples and begin assaying study sample within six weeks of the first day of employment, with minimal supervision and guidance, and achieving results with consistently acceptable accuracy and precision.