Post-Doctoral Researcher: Environmental Chemistry

The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking 1-2 Postdoctoral Researchers to join our team and support applied research to address growing concern around legacy and emerging organic contaminants.

We are an interdisciplinary group of research staff and students with backgrounds in chemistry and engineering and a shared passion for the environment. We are seeking researchers with expertise in the environmental fate and transport of legacy and emerging organic contaminants. We are especially interested in recruiting applicants with strong skill sets in the areas of (i) quantitative analysis of trace organic contaminants in environmental samples, (ii) environmental modeling and/or advanced data analysis and statistical evaluation techniques, and (iii) treatment of water and soils containing organic contaminants using adsorption or other treatment approaches (order listed does not indicate preference).

The postdoctoral researcher(s) will contribute to several ongoing research projects, with topics including adsorption-based technologies for removal of trace organic contaminants (including pesticides and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS) from stormwater and groundwater, evaluation of legacy and emerging trace organic contaminants in sediments of the Great Lakes (including legacy contaminants such as PCBs and PBDEs), and application of passive samplers for target and nontarget analysis of emerging organic contaminants (including 6PPD-quinone) in urban runoff and streams.

Applications that do not clearly document how the applicant meets or exceeds all minimum requirements will not be further considered. Applicants that do not meet all preferred qualifications are still encouraged to apply. Note that experience with the specific types of contaminants and treatment/remediation technologies listed above is preferred but not required.

Job Duties:

Laboratory and field work (40% time): Conducting experiments to evaluate treatment of water and soil containing organic contaminants, collecting environmental water and/or soil samples, preparing environmental and laboratory generated samples for instrumental analysis, training and overseeing students and laboratory technical staff to perform routine laboratory and field procedures. Operation of advanced analytical instrumentation including liquid chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry systems.

Data processing, data analysis, and/or modeling (30% time): Application of computational and environmental modeling programs to review datasets to ensure compliance with QA/QC criteria, perform statistical analyses, fit model curves to data sets, predict contaminant fate and transport in natural and engineered systems, etc.

Report and manuscript preparation (30% time): Preparation of technical reports and other dissemination materials to meet grant requirements, preparation of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, or other related science or engineering field with a focus
  in Chemistry obtained prior to the employment start date
• Publication as first author for at least one scientific article in English on a research topic related to the position in a respected peer-reviewed journal, published within the last three years
• Effective written and oral communication in English
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Valid U.S. driver's license issued by a U.S. state or territory to document the applicant's eligibility to drive university fleet vehicles

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with R (strongly preferred) and/or other programming languages.
• Excellent technical writing skills in English, as demonstrated by high-quality written products submitted with the application and listed in the C.V.
• One or more years of experience with analysis of legacy and/or emerging trace organic contaminants in environmental samples (particularly sediments), including operation of advanced analytical instrumentation (e.g., liquid and/or gas chromatography mass spectrometry systems) and/or reviewing quantitative analytical data to confirm compliance with stringent QA/QC criteria.
• One or more years of experience conducting research related to treatment or remediation of contaminated water, particularly relating to groundwater and/or stormwater, organic contaminants, and engineered adsorbents.
• One or more years of experience with advanced data analysis and/or environmental modeling techniques, including modeling contaminant fate and transport in environmental systems, advanced statistical analyses of large data sets, and/or nontarget analysis for identification of unknown or suspected organic contaminants in environmental samples.
  

Physical/Environmental Demands

• Office environment / no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands.
• Handling hazardous chemicals in the laboratory.
• Working outdoors, potentially in inclement weather.
• Standing for up to 3 hours at a time.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs

About NRRI:

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:

Applied Ecology and Resource Management

Minerals and Metallurgy

Materials and Bioeconomy

Data Collection and Delivery

Commercialization Services

Pay Range: $61,008 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

With the application please provide:

1. A cover letter that describes your interest in the position as well as your qualifications and experiences as they relate to the required and preferred qualifications.
2. A C.V. documenting your qualifications and accomplishments with languages indicated for all publications and
   presentations.
3. A writing sample that best demonstrates your scientific writing skills in English (one single written product, preferably a peer-reviewed scientific article as first author).
4. At least three professional references, including one reference who can account for your independent technical writing skills in English (references will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant)

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

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Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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