Environmental Chemist

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled Environmental Chemist to join our team at the Department of Environmental Protection. As a key member of our laboratory team, you will be responsible for performing complex analytical chemistry procedures to test ambient air and other environmental samples. Your expertise in organic analytical chemistry and experience with laboratory quality assurance/quality control and safety procedures will be essential in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our data.

Responsibilities:

Perform highly complex analysis of ambient air samples for carbonyl compounds using HPLC and GC-MS.
Maintain analytical proficiency in support of the MassDEP Bureau of Air and Waste – Air Assessment Branch.
Provide analytical support for other regulated and unregulated organic chemical contaminants/parameters in ambient air and other environmental matrices.
Assist in the implementation and maintenance of the EOCL's quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) program.
Prepare and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and applicable sections of the DELS-WES Laboratory Quality Assurance Plan (QAP).
Enter sample information and analytical data into the MassDEP Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and generate sample analytical reports.
Assist in the development and validation of new methods for the analysis of organic chemical contaminants and parameters in environmental samples.
Review scientific literature to stay informed of new procedures, methods, materials, and findings in the field of environmental organic analytical chemistry.
Train new EOCL employees in the operation of analytical instrumentation and good laboratory practices.
Supervise contract employees and interns.
Develop specifications for the procurement of new laboratory equipment and expendable supplies.
Train and provide assistance to MassDEP regional and program staff in environmental sampling procedures.
Advise MassDEP regional, program, and legal staff on environmental analytical matters and provide courtroom testimony.
Assist in the conduct of applied research pertinent to MassDEP programs on the analysis of organic chemical contaminants and parameters in the Massachusetts environment.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, or related scientific field.
Three or more years of experience with organic analytical chemistry laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
Skill in operating and maintaining complex analytical laboratory equipment.
Knowledge of and experience with analytical laboratory quality assurance/quality control and safety procedures.
Knowledge of and experience with the development and validation of analytical chemistry methods.
Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of chemical laboratory data to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to respect confidentiality and exercise sound judgment/discretion in a professional manner.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree or higher in chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, or related scientific field.
Three or more years of experience with organic analytical chemistry laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
Skill in operating and maintaining complex analytical laboratory equipment.
Knowledge of and experience with analytical laboratory quality assurance/quality control and safety procedures.
Knowledge of and experience with the development and validation of analytical chemistry methods.
Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of chemical laboratory data to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to respect confidentiality and exercise sound judgment/discretion in a professional manner.

How to Apply:

If you are a motivated and detail-oriented individual with a passion for environmental chemistry, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this opportunity further.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

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