Specialist - Research-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking an accomplished scientist to serve as Laboratory Director for the PFAS Analytical Laboratory, a unit within the MSU Center for PFAS Research. The principal duties of this laboratory-based position will be to provide administrative and technical leadership for a service analytical laboratory that performs analyses of per- and poly-fluorinated aliphatic substances (PFAS) for clients at MSU and elsewhere. The PFAS Lab currently supports multiple substantial grants and consists of two LC/triple quadrupole mass spectrometers, a combustion ion chromatography system, and assorted accessories used for sample preparation, with four current laboratory staff. Primary responsibilities of the position are:

 • Provide vision, planning, and a sound business plan that will provide optimal support of PFAS-related research by investigators at MSU and external institutions and will grow with evolving needs based on coordination with an Internal Advisory Committee;

• Generate laboratory revenues through fee-for-service activities and financial support from internal and extramural sources;

• Recruit clients and raise public visibility for the Analytical Laboratory through online promotions, in-person and remote presentations with prospective clients, performing annual surveys to project client needs, and in[1]person promotion of laboratory services at appropriate events including conferences and symposia;

• Manage all aspects of the Analytical Laboratory’s local operations as Technical Manager including recommendation and justification of equipment, recruitment, mentoring, and review of personnel, and other infrastructure needs;

• Establish and maintain laboratory accreditations needed to support client needs;

• Coordinate laboratory services and budgeting with leadership of the Center for PFAS Research.

The candidate will also use her/his/their background in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, and mastery of electrical, physical, and computer systems and laboratory accreditation procedures as the basis to guide laboratory staff. The individual will be responsible for advising and planning experiments and training instrument users and may act as Co-PI on external grant applications such as equipment grant and other collaborative project grant proposals. This position is a full-time annual year Academic Specialist-Research title, renewable annually contingent upon performance and available funds. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and the employee will be eligible for generous MSU employee benefits (https://hr.msu.edu/toolkits/benefits-overview.html). Annual year academic appointees receive annual vacation leave equivalent to one month each twelve months.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Chemistry, Biochemistry, or closely related

Minimum Requirements

5 years post-PhD experience in the application of mass spectrometry in quantitative trace analysis of organic compounds; diverse and extensive analytical problem-solving expertise, as well as a broad and deep understanding of and expertise in quantitative LC/MS/MS fundamentals and procedures for preparation of samples from biological and environmental matrices; demonstrated expertise in LC/MS/MS method development and sample analysis for the design of quantitative methods, familiarity with quality management principles, excellent oral/written communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving and instrument troubleshooting skills, and an ability to lead, supervise and mentor other scientists; comprehensive understanding of modern analytical instrumentation, including HPLC/UHPLC separations and mass spectrometer platforms including triple quadrupole mass analyzers.

Desired Qualifications

Preference will be given to individuals with experience in PFAS analysis and familiarity with methods developed by EPA and various other agencies for analysis of PFAS and ISO 17025 and DoD ELAP guidelines.

Required Application Materials

To assure consideration, applications and supporting documentation (Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, names and e-mail addresses of three references) should be submitted electronically, as a single PDF file, through the MSU applicant page at www.jobs.msu.edu. Questions regarding this position may be directed to the search committee chair, Professor Dan Jones (jonesar4@msu.edu).

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin March 11, 2024.  Later applications will be considered if a suitable candidate pool is not identified by the deadline.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Review of Applications Begins On

03/11/2024

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/pfas-research/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.