CASY-MSCCN Jobs

Req #: 229205

Department: UW TACOMA

Posting Date: 02/08/2024

Closing Info: Open Until Filled

Salary: $4,736 - $6,667 per month

Shift: First Shift

Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230119_a11y.pdf) Please note that this position has been re-posted. If you have already submitted your application, you need not submit it again, as it has already been received.

The University of Washington Tacoma is an anchor institution that is deeply invested in its local communities and in student success. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. UW Tacoma’s commitment to access and diversity is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth. More information about UW Tacoma and its strategic plan can be found here. (https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/strategic-planning)

The University of Washington Tacoma Laboratory at the Center for Urban Water (UWT CUW) is an environmental research facility that performs globally innovative research on the occurrence, fate, transport, and implications of anthropogenic contaminants in marine and freshwater systems. We are especially interested in understanding the behavior of chemicals entering the environment, where they come from, and how those chemicals might affect exposed organisms. We are seeking an experienced Laboratory Quality Assurance Manager to support our ongoing research projects and analytical methods.

The Laboratory Quality Assurance Manager will work with a team of environmental researchers, including undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral scientists, research scientists, technicians, and academic faculty. There are two main areas of responsibility for this position. The first is implementing and directing a comprehensive quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program for collection and analysis of environmental samples to ensure that the laboratory continues to produce and document high quality data (i.e., accurate, precise, reproducible, defensible). This effort will include documentation and data acquisition to support method accreditation via LC/MS/MS platforms. The second is to develop, evaluate, and use new analytical methods to help improve and expand our areas of investigation.

The position is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the Puget Sound region, examining the sources, environmental fate, and ecotoxicological impacts of anthropogenic chemicals in urban systems.

This is a grant funded position with two years of funding. Continuation of the position is contingent on additional funding being secured.

Responsibilities:
50% - Laboratory QA/QC

• Maintain or implement UWT CUW environmental laboratory accreditation(s) by WA Ecology and/or other relevant accrediting organizations, including analyzing and interpreting national/state-level guidelines relevant to laboratory QA/QC in support of such accreditation.

• Develop and maintain documentation associated with laboratory QA/QC including: 1) the laboratory QA manual; 2) standard operating procedures (SOPs) for field sampling, laboratory activities such as sample processing, analytical methods, and data analysis/reporting; and 3) software/reports for the analysis and reporting of QC data.

• Manage and implement laboratory QA-related activities, such as conducting instrument calibrations and quality checks, QC sample preparation and analysis, and laboratory performance testing; performing statistical analyses to determine detection/reporting limits and evaluate performance acceptability; undertaking necessary instrument trouble-shooting and corrective actions.

• Working within a research team, develop QAPPs for new research projects

• Review and approve data reports (both internal and for external clients) for data quality, accuracy, and completeness.30% - Laboratory method development and method application

• Develop and evaluate new and/or modified analytical methods for use by UWT CUW researchers and staff, and provide training and technical support for method development by staff and students.

• Analyze and interpret data to identify and implement areas for analytical method improvement. The candidate is expected to stay up-to-date on advances in quantitative analytical methods through trainings, seminars, and consultation of peer-reviewed literature, and to provide subsequent guidance to staff.

• Support the collection and processing of environmental samples by UWT CUW researchers and staff.10% - Contribute to the preparation of research papers for publication.10% - As needed to support ongoing project activities. Minimum Requirements:

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry, environmental science or engineering, ecotoxicology, or a related field;

• Minimum of three years of professional laboratory experience, including experience quantitatively analyzing environmental samples (e.g., water, wastewater, sediment); Additionally:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing laboratory protocols and QA/QC documentation, including laboratory QA manuals and tracking sheets, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and laboratory method descriptions;

• Demonstrated proficiency in liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) operations, including method development and QA/QC evaluation, and;

• Excellent computer and laboratory skills. Desired Qualifications and Experience

• Experience obtaining and maintaining laboratory accreditation through agencies such as the Washington State Department of Ecology Laboratory Accreditation Unit.

• Experience with Agilent instrumentation and Agilent instrumentation control software (e.g., Agilent MassHunter) and data analysis tools (Agilent Mass Profiler Professional).

• Experience in an environmental research laboratory.

• Knowledge of computational and data science methods for data analysis.

• Expertise disseminating research findings via reports or peer-reviewed publications.Application Process:The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.