Classification Title:

Chemist II

Job Description:

The University of Florida Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences is seeking a Chemist II to join the SWES ICP-Mass Spectrometry Laboratory Team. This position will focus on metals analysis, ICP-MS operation, and mineralogical characterization. This Chemist II will be based in McCarty Hall A (at the Main Campus in Gainesville, FL) and will be advised by Dr. Jonathan Judy in the Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences Department.

This position will be linked to the operation of departmental core labs. The successful candidate will work almost exclusively in the lab, though opportunities may exist to support field activities if the successful candidate is interested. The successful candidate will have experience in the operation of ICP-MS and metals analysis in general. The successful candidate will join a welcoming research program where work-life balance is a priority. The expected near-term throughput/number of samples to be analyzed in our lab is relatively small compared to many operations and as a result, this position is being offered at 0.75 FTE. However, the potential exists to scale this position up to 1.0 FTE in the future.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Operation and maintenance of Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer
  • Researching and developing analytical methods
  • Maintaining instrument
  • Running samples for CORE Lab
  • Acid digestion of various samples
  • Organizing and keep record of data produced
• Supervision of personnel and operation/maintenance related to Mineralogy Core Lab
  • Operation of X-Ray diffractometer
  • Delegating lab management activities to research assistants
  • Sample intake, organization, and archiving
  • Training research assistants
  • Organizing and analyzing data produced
• Lab Management
  • General laboratory maintenance
  • Routine lab audits, including radioactive safety audits
  • Maintaining an up to date chemical inventory
  • Assisting in equipment ordering, installation, and maintenance
  • Ordering supplies as necessary
  • Chemical waste management
  • Supervising, training and occasionally assisting other lab members
  • Preparing and submitting Invoices to clients
• Conducting studies and setting up experiments
  • Researching and developing analytical/experimental methods
  • Preforming soil/water extractions and digestions
  • Sample collection
  • Organizing and analyzing data produced

A typical workweek consists of 30 hours per week; however, daily hours may be adjusted depending on the demands of on-going experiments. The incumbent must be willing to travel out of town for up to three days for sampling trips and meetings. Must be willing and able to conduct fieldwork under physically demanding conditions (i.e., in the Everglades).

Expected Salary:

$48,000

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a closely related field and three years of experience in the field or in a related area; or master's degree in chemistry or a closely related field and one year of experience in the field or in a related area; or doctoral degree in chemistry or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Specific qualifications include demonstrated experience with:

1. Radioisotope handling and safety
2. Metals analysis
3. Practical knowledge of partitioning of organics and/or metals in soil
4. Experience working with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and Microsoft Word
5. Experience working with statistical analysis software such are R-studio
6. Experience with Perkin Elmer ICP software
7. Experience with basic statistical analyses
8. Exposure to X-ray diffractometry and methods for mineralogical determination
9. Effective scientific writing skills

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, please upload your resume, cover letter, and 3 references.

This position is being offered at 0.75 FTE. The potential exists to scale this position up to 1.0 FTE; however, this is not a guarantee.

Application must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:
No

Advertised: 17 May 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 24 May 2024 Eastern Daylight Time