NRRI Employment Opportunities

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NRRI Post-Doctoral Associate: Environmental Analytical Chemistry
Job Opening: 338645
Location: Duluth

The UMN has suspended hiring for most positions. However, we will continue hiring for positions critical to the University's mission and operations at this time. Applications are being accepted for this position and you are encouraged to apply. In-person interviews are suspended indefinitely and will be replaced by interviews in a virtual format. Thank you for your continued interest in working at the University of Minnesota.

About the Department:

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota’s natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.
NRRI’s mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.

With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota’s soil, forest, water and mineral resources:

1. Applied Ecology and Resource Management

2. Minerals and Metallurgy

3. Materials and Bioeconomy

4. Data Collection and Delivery

5. Commercialization Services

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at the time of application.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.

• Experience performing quantitative analyses for trace organic contaminants in environmental samples, including analysis of pesticides by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS)

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Effective oral and written communication skills in English as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentations at national and international meetings.

• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance from supervisor/principal investigator.

• Physical ability to lift 30 pounds, manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination required to carry out routine laboratory activities.

• Valid U.S. driver’s license. • Availability to be onsite for a start date of no later than February 1, 2020.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least one year of additional experience as a laboratory technician or similar role, obtained following the completion of a bachelor’s degree.

• Experience analyzing neonicotinoid insecticides in environmental samples with a Thermo Vantage TSQ triple-quad MS.

• Experience interpreting data from stable isotope analysis, including gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-IRMS).

About the job:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to project activities Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) and the Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The Postdoctoral Researcher will join an interdisciplinary team of geochemists, analytical chemists, limnologists, and ecologists to investigate the fluxes and sources of pollutants and the impact of sediment source and organic geochemistry on pollutant fluxes and transformations. The selected candidate will receive training on novel analytical subjects such as liquid chromatography, high resolution mass spectrometry, as well as proposal development and laboratory management. The primary responsibility of the position will be to develop analytical methods for measuring a variety of persistent bio accumulative toxic contaminants in Great Lakes sediments. The position will also involve contributing to data interpretation, manuscript preparation, and proposal development for topics related to paleolimnology and stable isotope analysis. This is a temporary, 6-month position, and it is anticipated that analytical method development contributions will support project activities that result in several peer-reviewed publications.

Terms of Employment: This appointment is a 100%-time, temporary position to last 6 months in duration.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop methods for quantitative analysis of trace organic contaminants in sediment samples. Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation for liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 50%

• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for quantitative analysis methods and train other project personnel to perform SOPs. 20%

• Develop and apply techniques for electrochemical analysis of sediment redox properties. 20%

• Contribute to proposal writing, data interpretation, and manuscript preparation for projects involving paleolimnology and stable isotope analysis. 10%

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted online. To apply for this position, go to http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/ and search for job opening 338645. A complete application will consist of a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and the contact information of three references. Applications will be accepted and considered immediately. This posting will remain open until filled.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact a University of Minnesota Access Consultant at 612-624-3316.

***Smoking and chewing tobacco and the use of electronic cigarettes is prohibited on all UMD property, including indoor facilities, campus grounds and University vehicles.***

Diversity:

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Background Check Information:
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer.