Lab and Research Specialist II

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to lead analytical laboratory operations of an environmental soil science team in the School of Plant & Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech. This position will be based on main campus in Blacksburg and the position will be responsible for technical oversight, operation, maintenance, and quality control for multiple laboratory instruments for the analysis of environmental samples (plant, soils, water, wastes, etc.). The person will work closely with a team of faculty and students to ensure the timely completion of sample analyses for multiple research projects. The ideal candidate would have a strong background in analytical chemistry, substantial prior experience in handling, troubleshooting, and technical management of laboratory instrumentation, excellent organizational and communication skills, and strong attention to detail. The incumbent will be expected to run, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab instrumentation and schedule their service with original equipment manufacturers, if needed. The successful candidate will
coordinate the sample analyses with project leaders, ensure timely completion of analyses, validate and follow quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols for chemical analyses, and develop new analyses as needed. The individual is responsible for maintaining and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), compiling, managing, and storage of laboratory data and timely reporting. The incumbent will be responsible for training and supervising students in handling laboratory instrumentation, ensuring laboratory safety protocols are followed while analyzing samples, providing administrative support such as: laboratory inventory control; performing audits for Environmental Health and Safety Compliance; purchasing of laboratory supplies & consumables, and purchasing new equipment.
Assisting project leaders, students or technicians with field work and collection of environmental samples as needed. Occasional travel to field sites is required. Assisting with teaching and extension responsibilities as assigned. Other work as deemed necessary by project leaders.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, soil chemistry, or closely related field, and/or equivalent training and work experience; Significant previous experience in direct instrument operation in an analytical laboratory; Expertise in common instrumentation used to analyze plant, soil and water samples; Experience maintaining and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation, including working with manufacturer technical support personnel to resolve problems and conduct repairs; Excellent data management skills, attention to detail, and demonstrated ability to follow good laboratory practices; Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment; Valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent experience in chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, soil chemistry, or related field; Experience running and maintaining laboratory instrumentation such as solid-phase CHN and CNS elemental analyzers, flow injection/discrete analyzers, microwave digester for total element analysis, liquid-phase carbon and nitrogen analyzer, and gas chromatograph; Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing QA/QC protocols for sample analyses; Experience and interest in training graduate and undergraduate students and laboratory technicians in handling laboratory instrumentation.

Salary Information

45,000 -60,000

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Angela Possinger at [email protected]  during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.