Early-Career Research Scientist/Engineer- Aerosol & Environmental

ERG • Chapel Hill, NC

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About The Position

ERG is seeking early-career scientists and engineers to support a diverse portfolio of laboratory, field, and applied research projects for the U.S. EPA. The role offers opportunities to contribute to aerobiology and aerosol research, including studies involving biological aerosols, and to support broader work in air quality and environmental measurements, microbiology, experimental systems, instrumentation, laboratory testing, and data analysis. It is suited to candidates with broad scientific or engineering interests who enjoy hands-on work and want to gain experience across multiple technical areas. Candidates are not expected to have experience in every area. Multiple positions may be filled.

Assignments may involve designing and conducting laboratory experiments; operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting scientific instrumentation; collecting and analyzing samples and data; supporting field studies; and developing or adapting experimental systems. The successful candidate will bring strong technical fundamentals, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to learn quickly and contribute across varied scientific projects.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in Environmental, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 0–4 years of professional experience.
• Hands-on experience in a laboratory, technical setting, or science/engineering project, academic or professional.
• Demonstrated analytical, mechanical, and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of mechanical or electrical systems.
• Ability to pass background checks and initial and random drug screenings.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with biosafety practices and procedures.
• Experience working in a BSL2 and/or aerosol laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience with aerosol generation, collection, and sample processing.
• Experience developing instrumentation and/or applying COTS equipment to test beds.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, analyze, and interpret aerosol data.
• Experience preparing microbiological media.
• Experience in aseptic technique, serial dilutions, and agar plating assays.
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) principles.
• Experience implementing QA/QC for aerosol testing and microbiological processes.

Responsibilities

• Support aerosol and aerobiology research, including generation, sampling, characterization, and evaluation of biological and chemical aerosols in controlled experimental environments.
• Contribute to laboratory, field, and applied research projects addressing environmental and public health questions.
• Assist with the design, setup, execution, and documentation of scientific experiments and testing programs.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot scientific instruments, aerosol measurement systems, sampling equipment, and experimental test systems.
• Support the generation, collection, processing, and characterization of biological, chemical, and environmental samples as required by project needs.
• Perform laboratory activities that may include aerosol generation and measurement, microbiological techniques, environmental sampling, and chemical or physical analyses.
• Assist with the design, development, integration, and testing of experimental hardware, instrumentation, and innovative research systems.
• Collect, manage, analyze, interpret, and visualize experimental and environmental data.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, modify, and repair laboratory and field equipment.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, project documentation, and data files.
• Contribute to technical reports, presentations, procedures, protocols, and other project deliverables.
• Support implementation of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) activities.
• Follow applicable laboratory, field, biosafety, health, and safety procedures.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers on research and technical assignments.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Educational benefits
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• 401(k) plan
• Profit sharing
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11–20 paid vacation days per year
• 10 paid holidays per year
• 56 hours or more of sick leave per year, based on the state of work; prorated for part-time

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level