Chemist Research Scientist

The Energy Analysis and Environmental Impacts Division at Berkeley Lab is seeking a Research Scientist with broad knowledge in the fields of indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency of the built environment, to join the Sustainable Energy and Environmental Systems Department.  You will conduct independent research, collaborate with other scientific staff, and work on projects requiring intellectual leadership and creativity. In this position, you will be responsible for developing solutions to complex problems associated with the study of air pollutant sources and dynamics, developing, evaluating and demonstrating novel energy-efficient ventilation, air cleaning, thermal conditioning and cool envelope technologies that require regular use of ingenuity and creativity. You will lead research staff in conceptualization, planning, and completion of projects. You will also be expected to contribute to the development of new principles and concepts.
In this exciting role, you will conduct research on the design, implementation and execution of experimental work to:

• evaluate the performance of air cleaning technology, aiming at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter and other pollutants from indoor air, and regulated atmospheric pollutants (NOx, ozone, PM) from outdoor air.
• provide technical direction in the design, implementation and execution of experimental work to identify and quantify ambient and indoor pollutants of concern and their sources.
• help with maintaining and expanding the Department’s experimental facilities, particularly in the areas of environmental sampling, analytical instrumentation and physical-chemical transformations of environmental pollutants.

What You Will Do:

• Identify and develop new research areas and proposals and secure funding.
• Develop methods/models to collect environmental samples from different media (air, surfaces, dust, materials).
• Develop methods and optimize data collection and analysis using analytical methods such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTRMS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); develop new methods and codes for data collection and analysis.
• Develop methods and optimize data collection and analysis using aerosol instrumentation such as fast mobility particle sizer (FMPS), scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS), condensation particle counter (CPC), optical particle counter (OPC), and conventional methods relying on filters, sorbents and denuders. 
• Engage as a member of a multidisciplinary research team, contributing to strategic planning.
• Communicate research results through publications in peer reviewed scientific journals as lead author.
• Actively works to build a network of contacts and collaborators within their field of research and at funding agencies.
• Presents findings at seminars and/or conferences.
• Reports regularly on research progress to funders.
• Supervises and provides mentorship and scientific direction to research staff, including postdocs, students and research associates.
• Provide professional service at LBNL and the broader scientific community, e.g., as a peer reviewer, scientific advisor, or participation in advisory panels.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Act as liaison between PIs / Scientists, other LBNL employees, and external contacts. 

What is Required:

• Advanced degree or equivalent in Environmental Chemistry or Environmental Engineering, or a related field, and a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of analytical chemistry, advanced instrumentation and environmental research methods.
• Significant experience using Python, Matlab and other scientific software.

• Demonstrated ability to:
•  independently carry out creative research with a proven record of publications and achievements.
• develop research grant proposals and fundraising experience.
• apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts to R&D problems in a field of environmental fate, transport and chemical transformation of pollutants.
• building and testing experimental systems.
• conducting original experimental research, designing and implementing laboratory and field experiments.
• design methods, operate, service and troubleshoot a wide range of laboratory analytical tools, including GCMS, HPLC, PTRMS, trace air pollutant monitors, sensors for temperature, pressure, air flow and pressure.
• design methods, operate, service and troubleshoot aerosol instrumentation, such as FMPS, SMPS, CPC, OPC and conventional sampling methods using filters, sorbents and denuders.
• Excellent academic record and evaluations.
• General knowledge of Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Engineering problems, beyond the specific topics mentioned above; understanding of human exposure health risk as it relates to indoor and outdoor air quality; understanding the links among indoor air quality, ventilation and energy efficiency of the built environment; understanding the interactions of atmospheric species with building envelope materials and other urban surfaces.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clients and international collaborators. 
• Excellent communication skills including verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Advanced Excel and Microsoft and Google Suites applications.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize many competing deadlines.

Desired Qualifications:

• PhD in Environmental Chemistry or Environmental Engineering or a related field.
• Project Management experience.
• Experience managing a team of researchers.
• General knowledge of other analytical methods not mentioned above, such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy.

For full consideration please apply by February 20, 2024 with the following application materials:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Statement of research experience and interests.
• Names and contact information for at least five individuals who can write letters of reference, one outside of the United States.
• Statement describing outreach, diversity and inclusion, and leadership activities and interests (1 page maximum).

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab's Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/

Notes:

• This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• The full salary range of this position is between $11,626 - $16,276 per month and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $13,254 - $14,272 per month depending upon candidates' full skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.