Senior Scientific Specialist, Analytical Chemistry - Illinois State Water Survey, PRI at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Laboratory Analyst
Illinois State Water Survey
Prairie Research Institute



The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Our research and service programs provide citizens, industries, and government agencies at all levels with timely, science-based information and analyses necessary to manage our water resources wisely for economic development and a sustainable environment. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.


The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is seeking to hire an Analytical Chemist (Official Title: Senior Scientific Specialist, Analytical Chemistry) to conduct chemical analyses, ensure an adequate supply of required reagents and supplies, and maintain analytical instruments. ). This position will focus on analysis of routine water samples for a variety of organic and inorganic parameters including metals, ions and nutrients. Sample analysis is performed using standard operating procedures for Ion Chromatography (IC), Inductively Couple Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Flow Injection Analysis (FIA), and other techniques .



Job Summary

Conduct chemical analyses, ensure an adequate supply of required reagents and supplies, and maintain analytical instruments.



Duties & Responsibilities

• Research (70%) Prepare samples and conduct analyses as required for the Health and Environmental Applications Laboratory's (HEAL) projects Submit analytical results to laboratory database (LIMS) within project-specific time requirements Attain and maintain proficiency for HEAL instruments, such as pH, conductivity, Flow Injection Analysis (FIA), Ion Chromatography (IC), and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysis, Carbon analyses, and provide backup as required Ensure an adequate supply of reagents and other supplies are available for analysis Troubleshoot instrument issues; maintain instrument per manufacturer's specifications; document all maintenance and significant events in instrument logbook Conduct research and method development as directed
• Administrative (25%) Fully comply with relevant project SOPs, the HEAL Quality Assurance Plan, and any new required actions needed for proposal development or new projects. Prepare, review and update assigned SOPs annually. Document and maintain project-related data records and files in compliance with ISWS, University of Illinois, and project requirements. Comply with all University of Illinois and ISWS policies. Assist with organization and management of laboratory supply inventory
• Other (5%) Keep abreast of developments in this discipline. Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of P

Additional Physical Demands

Will require working in a lab environment. Lab safety equipment use is required. Position involves working in standing and stationary positions, and light lifting, such as moving computer hardware. Ability to wear laboratory gloves and follow detailed "clean" techniques. Position involves lifting items up to 40 pounds to waist height. Will require working in a clean laboratory environment. No consumption of food or beverages is allowed in designated laboratory areas. Safety glasses and protective clothing are required in designated laboratory areas.



Minimum Qualifications



Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Aptitude with Microsoft Office software and general Windows proficiency



Preferred Qualifications



1+ years laboratory experience. Sample analytical experience, along with technical and maintenance knowledge of analytical instrumentation. Ability to troubleshoot and maintain instrumentation and associated software. Experience with pH and conductivity, Flow Injection Analysis (FIA), Ion Chromatography (IC), Inductively-Coupled Plasma (ICP), Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and/or Graphite Furnace (GFAA



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, and teamwork skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and laboratory databases. Ability to comply with relevant project SOPs, the ability to write SOPs, and the ability to document and maintain project-related data records and files

Appointment Information



This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Salary is commensurate with qualifications & experience, while also considering internal equity. The budget salary range is $48,000-$58,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualification, and budget constraints.


Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave


https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays



Application Procedures & Deadline Information



Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on April 21st, 2025(extended). Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) a cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) the names and contact information including e-mail addresses of three professional references. All requested information and documentation must be submitted for


applications to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Interviews may occur before the close date but no decisions or offers will be made until after.


For further information about this specific position, please contact Jon Freiman HR Business Partner at jcf@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.


The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .


The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .


Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .



Requisition ID: 1029446
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
Apply Now