Laboratory Technician / Scientist

Laboratory Scientist / Technician

Emory University

The Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Laboratory Scientist / Technician to support research focused on human exposure to environmental contaminants. This position involves advanced analytical chemistry laboratory work supporting the development and application of analytical methods for measuring chemical contaminants in biological and environmental samples. The successful candidate will perform a variety of activities related to the preparation and execution of laboratory experiments and will contribute to the day-to-day operation, coordination, and management of the laboratory and ongoing projects.

The position is based in an environmental chemistry and exposure assessment laboratory within the Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. The laboratory conducts interdisciplinary research examining human exposure to environmental chemical contaminants and biomarkers using state-of-the-art analytical chemistry approaches. Research involves a variety of environmental and biological matrices and provides opportunities to contribute to studies examining emerging environmental contaminants and their implications for human health. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative research environment with faculty, research staff, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and external collaborators.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare biological and environmental samples for chemical analysis.
• Perform instrumental analysis using liquid and gas chromatography mass spectrometry.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation and associated laboratory equipment (Agilent and SCIEX mass spectrometers).
• Develop, optimize, and implement analytical methods for the measurement of environmental contaminants.
• Process and quantify analytical data using instrument-specific software and other data-management tools.
• Review analytical results and quality-control data and make informed decisions regarding data quality and acceptability.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including sample preparation, instrument performance, quality-control results, and analytical data.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, standards, reagents, and chemical inventories.
• Identify and help resolve experimental, analytical, and instrumentation-related problems.
• Assist with the development and implementation of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Train and provide technical guidance to students and junior laboratory personnel.
• Follow all applicable laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, and waste-management procedures.
• Perform other laboratory and research-related duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or a closely related field; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related discipline with at least three years of relevant laboratory experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of advanced principles, practices, and procedures used in analytical laboratory testing.
• Experience with or strong knowledge of liquid and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS).
• Knowledge of analytical sample preparation and quantitative targeted chemical analysis.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Ability to learn and develop expertise in complex analytical methods.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced laboratory instrumentation.
• Strong quantitative and data-management skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to evaluate analytical results and exercise sound judgment regarding data quality.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accurate record keeping.
• Knowledge of safe laboratory practices and chemical handling procedures.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills and ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.
• Ability to train and provide technical guidance to students and junior laboratory personnel.