Research Associate II, Chemist

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

About The Position

The Research Associate II, Chemist will work on a one-year sponsored research project in the Food Analysis Laboratory in the Biochemistry Department. After consulting with the PI about project goals, the employee will learn the analytical methods, components being measured, and relevant chemistry; organize and validate assay methods; and analyze research study samples. Initial work will bring established SOPs back online for analysis of phytosterols, fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin C in foods. Later work may include developing new methods and contributing to methodology research. The role involves liquid/liquid and solid-phase extraction, precise gravimetric measurements, and quantitative HPLC and GC analysis. The employee will operate and maintain two HPLC and two GC instruments, troubleshoot analytical issues, and oversee a range of sample-preparation equipment. They will also provide technical expertise to junior staff, assist with food sample preparation and control materials, and support the PI with publications. Following discussion of project goals with the PI, the employee is expected to develop detailed work plans and conduct the work independently, consulting with the supervisor as needed and organizing timelines to meet deadlines. The employee will keep the PI informed about problems and personnel needs, take the lead in analytical problem-solving and supervision, and begin phytosterol assays on study samples within six weeks of employment, with minimal supervision and consistently acceptable accuracy and precision. The sponsored project is expected to run for one year, starting at the end of September 2026. The successful candidate must start immediately given project needs. A criminal conviction check is required.

Requirements

Master’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree with at least three years of 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 biological materials; nutrients in foods are preferred.
Experience with analytical techniques and equipment including lipid extraction, solid-phase extraction, and gravimetric analysis.
Experience and competence performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting of GC and HPLC systems.
Experience with all steps of quantitative food-sample analysis for organic nutrients, particularly lipids such as sterols and fatty acids.
Demonstrable understanding of quality-control and method-validation criteria, with the ability to consistently produce accurate and precise data.
Competence in statistical data analysis and use of Microsoft Excel for data analysis and presentation.
Knowledge and experience applying quality control and quality assurance to quantitative analytical chemistry processes and data.
Experience writing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures and maintaining documentation.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and organize work to meet project timelines.
Ability to communicate effectively with the PI about ideas, plans, and results.
Effective communication skills.
Organization and attention to detail in documentation and analytical rigor.
Ability to lift and move equipment weighing more than 25 pounds.
Ability to work with hazardous materials and to stand, walk, stoop, and bend for long periods.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating GC-MS and interpreting its data.
Experience training and supervising laboratory staff.
Experience quantitatively analyzing fatty acids, total lipid, sterols, vitamin C, vitamin D, and/or dietary fiber.

Responsibilities

Become familiar with project analytical methods, measured components, and relevant chemistry.
Organize, set up, and validate assay methods using established SOPs, initially bringing methods for phytosterols, fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin C in foods back online.
Analyze research study samples and, as the work develops, potentially set up new methods and contribute to methodology research.
Operate and perform routine maintenance on two HPLC and two GC instruments, including troubleshooting analytical issues.
Use sample preparation equipment and conduct liquid/liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, precise gravimetric measurements, and quantitative HPLC and GC analysis.
Provide technical expertise to junior staff and assist as needed with food sample preparation and control materials.
Assist the PI with publications.
Develop detailed plans, organize work independently, and establish timelines to meet project deadlines.
Keep the PI informed of problems and personnel needs, and take the lead in analytical problem-solving and supervision of laboratory analytical work.
Set up phytosterol SOPs and quality-control measures for grain samples and begin assaying study samples within six weeks of the first day of employment.
Generate results with consistently acceptable accuracy and precision.