Analytical Chemist / Lab Technician (TEMP)

Unleash YOUR Potential With Us

As a next-generation public research institute and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to shape the future and solve the world’s most challenging problems. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role in pushing us forward to become among the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with uniquely talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses and regional locations. That means greater challenges to tackle, more meaningful opportunities to grow, and rewarding experiences that go beyond a paycheck. We’re seeking qualified, motivated individuals who will help UCF fulfill its mission in unleashing the potential of every individual, enriching the human experience through inclusion, discovery, and innovation; and propelling broad-based prosperity for the many communities we serve.

Florida Solar Energy Center:

The Florida Solar Energy Research Center (FSEC) (https://energyresearch.ucf.edu/) is located in Cocoa, Florida, and is associated with the University of Central Florida. Since 1975, FSEC has conducted fundamental and systems-level research in solar energy, hydrogen production, fuel cells, energy storage, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient buildings.

The Opportunity:

FSEC is seeking a chemist or lab technician with experience in analytical chemistry to support the day-to-day research activities on diverse projects funded by various governmental and industrial sources, including DOE, Florida High Tech Corridor, and M2X Energy Inc.

Responsibilities:

• Preform quantitative analysis of liquid or gas samples using in-house gas chromatography, spectrophotometry, and/or titration methods, and any basic computation associated with processing results.

• Record, organize, and report out data and results to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.

• Lead methods development for speciating new compounds and/or improving existing protocols (e.g., measurement time, separation quality/efficiency, reproducibility, etc.), and document these methods in formal standard operating procedures (SOP).

• Identify gaps in in-house analytical capabilities and request competitive vendor quotes for new equipment to improve laboratory infrastructure.

• Identify third-party analysis needs and manage communications with third-party analytical laboratories (including sample submission and data reporting).

• Develop and implement a robust quality control and data accuracy assurance program for in-house analyses (including routine logs of instrument performance) and establish best practices to identify and resolve measurement deviations.

• Install, operate, maintain, and repair laboratory equipment/systems.

• Engage with technical or service teams at equipment manufacturers for troubleshooting or repair work, as needed.

• Conduct all tasks in a safe, clean, and orderly manner.

• Actively participate in safety and training programs (as required by UCF EH&S).

• Immediate expertise in gas chromatography (GC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), spectrophotometry (e.g., UV-Vis), titration (e.g., Karl Fischer).

Minimum Qualifications:

• An Associate’s degree in chemistry, chemical technology, chemical/mechanical engineering, material science, or foreign degree equivalent from an accredited institution in an appropriate area. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6)

• Excellent discipline in housekeeping and awareness of safety.

• Excellent communication skills, particularly with diverse stakeholders (e.g., researchers, vendors, and UCF EH&S).

• Familiar with computer programs such as MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.

• Strong organizational and data management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong safety focus and emphasis on data accuracy and precision.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in chemical/mechanical engineering, chemistry, or material science & engineering.

• Six (6) months of experience working in a chemistry lab.

• Experience with chromatography for gas or liquid speciation and quantitative compositional analysis.

• Experience with maintaining or repairing laboratory instruments.

• Hands-on experience with machining parts or working in a machine shop.

• Comfort with using digital programs to maintain inventory of stock (including but not limited to chemicals).

• Understanding of and familiarity with hazard communications, including GHS, NFPA, HMIS labeling, and familiar with conducting risk assessments.

• Proficiency in reporting out analytical data and communicating with researchers.

• Familiarity with computer programming language (e.g, Python) or graphical programming environments (e.g., LabView, Flexlogger, etc.) may be beneficial.

Additional Application Materials Required:

• Cover letter.

• Current curriculum vita.

• Copies of all academic transcripts.

• Contact information for two (2) professional references.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. 

This is a repost position. Previous applicants are still being considered and do not need to reapply.

Are Benefits Important to You?

State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state’s benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First. OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off. 

Who Are We?

Founded in 1963 to fuel the region’s talent pipeline and support the growing U.S. space program, UCF is built to make a better future for our students and society. It’s one of the reasons U.S. News & World Report ranks UCF among the nation’s top 20 most innovative colleges, while Forbes, Kiplinger, and The Princeton Review rank us a best-value university. UCF is one of 14 universities nationwide designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Research 1 university. With 13 colleges, including a fully accredited College of Medicine, UCF offers more than 220-degree programs between its main campus, downtown campus, hospitality campus, academic health sciences campus, and 11 UCF Connect centers located throughout the region. In addition, UCF extends its reach to communities in and beyond Central Florida by offering complete, online programs leading to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, Ph.D.'s., certificates, and more.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

#LI-ONSITE

Department

Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) - OPS

Hours of Work

Full time

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Type of Appointment

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Hourly Rate

Negotiable

Job Posting End Date

Benefits Eligibility

State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state’s benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First.  OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer including Disabled/Vets.  Click on UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement to view the President’s Statement.

The UCF affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., upon request.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request. 

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.