Full job description Education:
Required: Bachelor's degree (Chemical engineering or related discipline)
Work Experience:
3-5 years
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related discipline or a combination of related education or work experience to equal 4 years. Demonstrated laboratory skills in Analytical Chemistry, as evident through work experience, research experience, or completion of a practical laboratory course. Focus and pay attention to detail to carry out laboratory tasks on time and with good precision. Ability to work independently and in a team setting. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Effective oral and written communication in English. Valid U.S. driver's license and clean driving record.
Preferred work experience
Experience performing research in an environmental chemistry laboratory setting, particularly relating to quantitative analysis of trace organic contaminants in environmental samples. Demonstrated understanding of topics in environmental pollution, including waste management and contaminant fate and transport. Experience operating analytical instrumentation, including GCMS. Experience with programming and computing software, including Python and MATLAB.
Chemistry Research Assistant Temp Casual
Summary:
The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking an Environmental Chemistry Research Assistant to join our team and support applied research to address growing concern around emerging contaminants. We are an interdisciplinary group of research staff, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students with backgrounds in chemistry and engineering and a shared passion for the environment. Topics of ongoing research within the laboratory include bench-scale evaluation of adsorption-based technologies for removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from stormwater and groundwater, field evaluation of biochar-amended filtration systems for removal of pesticides from stormwater, and assessment of legacy and emerging contaminants in sediments of the Great Lakes. The Laboratory Technician will work closely with research staff, students, and postdoctoral researchers to provide laboratory and administrative support, and may also participate in field work as necessary.
This is an hourly temporary position with a time commitment of 20-30 hours per week at an hourly rate of $20/hr.
Essential Functions:
Experimental support: Assist with experimental tasks evaluating the fate of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in treatment systems, including preparation of batch vessels for isotherm and kinetic experiments and intermittent sample collection. Maintain detailed records of laboratory activities. (40%) Laboratory analytical support; Prepare water, sediment, and food waste samples for PFAS analysis by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS). Operate analytical instrumentation for LCMS and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). Review data to ensure compliance with QA/QC criteria, process and analyze experimental data. Prepare summary data reports. (40%) Field work : Assist with fieldwork as necessary, including collection of water samples from streams and retention ponds. (10%) Laboratory upkeep: Cleaning glassware and lab spaces, monitoring waste storage areas, submitting waste for disposal. (10%)
The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.
NRRI's mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment, and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship. With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota's soil, forest, water, and mineral resources:
Applied Ecology and Resource Management Minerals and Metallurgy Materials and Bioeconomy Data Collection and Delivery Commercialization Services Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. You are required to attach a Cover letter and Resume.
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The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
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University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)
The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.
Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.
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