Research Chemist

University of North Carolina, United States

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 11 Jul 2022

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department Chemistry-318300
Career Area Research Professionals
Posting Open Date 06/27/2022
Application Deadline 07/11/2022
Open Until Filled Yes
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Research Chemist
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 20047715
Vacancy ID NF0006063
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Dependent upon qualifications/experience
Proposed Start Date 08/08/2022

Position Information


Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Chemistry Department is one of the largest and most complex departments in the Division of Academic Affairs. There are 43 faculty members, 44 SHRA and EHRA staff positions, 260 graduate students, 33 postdoctoral research associates, 700 undergraduate majors, and an annual total of approximately 10,000 registrations by all students in classroom and laboratory courses. The Department is housed in five buildings with over 580,000 sq. feet of space. The faculty participate in teaching assignments which involve an average of 200 students per faculty member per semester. The majority of faculty are research active and supervise graduate students working on their Masters or Ph.D. degrees, undergraduate students carrying out independent research and honors programs, research technicians and postdoctoral research associates. Primarily the research is funded by federal and private agencies such as NSF, NIH, Army, Navy, DOE, PRF and involves expenditures of more than nineteen million dollars annually. A total of over thirty-two million dollars from all sources is expended annually in the Department.
Position Summary
The Research Chemist working on the PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) Remediation Pilot project, funded through the NC Policy Collaboratory, will conduct chemical reactions and conduct chemical analysis to advance the goals of the chemistry team within the project.
The Research Chemist will report to the Lead Research Chemist and will be part of a large and dynamic research team under the direction of Dr. Frank A. Leibfarth, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, and Dr. Orlando Coronell, Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences and Engineering. Responsibilities will include conducting chemical reactions to synthesize Ionic Fluorogel resins and their precursors; iterating and improving chemical reactions to optimize material performance over time; conducting batch water remediation experiments to evaluate the performance of the materials made through chemical synthesis; analyzing water samples from batch remediation experiments; and communicating and participating with the chemistry research team by attending laboratory meetings and preparing written progress reports.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
* Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods and processes (technical and/or theoretical) used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry including study design, methods of data collection and analysis, and interpreting and reporting results
* Demonstrated skills in chemical synthesis, to include small molecule or polymer synthesis and purification.
* Ability to plan methods and techniques to meet research objectives; may require ability to modify and/or refine procedures, methods and techniques as needed
* Demonstrated skills in chemical characterization and instrument operation, to include a working knowledge of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infra-red spectroscopy, and absorbance spectroscopy; ability to interpret and evaluate results of the characterization techniques.
* Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a collaborative environment subject to frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate productively with a diverse group of individuals through multiple communication modes.
The position will require a trained chemist with laboratory research experience. Candidate should work well as part of a team, be enthusiastic about learning new procedures and techniques, and be committed to building a safe and inclusive laboratory environment.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
* Experience with high resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry is a plus
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Please note that a resume, cover letter, list of references, and additional document are required when applying to this position. The additional document requires a statement (250 words or less) that describes experience in scientific research, with an emphasis on laboratory skills and familiarity with characterization techniques.
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/234128

Posting Contact Information


Department Contact Name and Title Tamsen Foote, HR Specialist
Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected]
Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

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