The term of this appointment will be a maximum of 36 months. All persons hired into Limited-Term positions will be required to sign a term of employment letter specifying the conditions of employment.
HOURS OF WORK: 4/10’s, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Mon-Thurs.
The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in engineering; demonstrate the knowledge and research experience for the mitigation of emerging contaminants (i.e., DBPs, PFAS, trace unregulated contaminants) by advanced oxidation, adsorption or high-pressure membranes in potable reuse; knowledge and experience of pilot operation, novel online sensors and statistical analysis of big data sets; possess the ability to communicate both orally and in writing (i.e. peer-reviewed research articles) and efficiently execute multiple assignments/projects concurrently; and demonstrate the ability to generate innovative research ideas.
INTRODUCTION: Human Resources will screen applications and supplemental questionnaires. Candidates possessing the strongest skills and experience for this position will be forwarded to the hiring department for further evaluation and to determine who will be invited to the formal interview process. The candidate hired will be required to pass a drug screening, background check and may be required to pass a job-related physical evaluation.
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under direction, independently conducts highly specialized research studies on raw and potable water to detect and analyze unregulated compounds and contaminants and develop methods for their detection and removal, using novel techniques and emerging technologies; assists in the design, execution and reporting on research studies and drafting of proposals for external research funding; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Post-Doctoral Researcher is an advanced professional/specialized class in the chemistry class series which is used on a LTE basis to employ recent PhD’s with specialized scientific education and research backgrounds related to drinking and reuse water issues. Incumbents work closely with the Project Manager – Research and Development and with principal investigators in designing and managing focused, highly specialized research projects or elements of research projects and in grant writing and reporting on research results. Work requires a strong background in analytical chemistry, water treatment processes and/or engineering and superior writing and communication skills. Post-Doctoral Researcher is distinguished from Research Chemist in that incumbents perform focused, complex research in their area of specialty, using novel and newly developed analytical methods and are employed on a LTE basis. Research Chemists are responsible for conducting multiple research studies and projects.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class. Using novel, newly developed and emerging analytical techniques and technologies, participates in designing and developing analytical methods for the analyses of target compounds; independently manages and conducts research and investigates newly identified contaminants found in raw and potable water; operates a variety of complex analytical instrumentation including liquid chromatography, ion chromatography, gas chromatography and mass spectrometers and associated data processing components, using proper operating, maintenance and safety techniques; designs and implements bench- and pilot-scale tests for the removal of contaminants and formation of byproducts.
Assists the Project Manager – Research and Development and works closely with principal investigators in designing and writing research proposals and writing grant applications for external funding of research projects.
Participates in developing, updating and revising laboratory standard operating procedures for methodologies developed; develops new standard operating procedures to analyze new elements/compounds required by federal and state authorities.
OTHER DUTIES
Coordinates the work of research groups.
Prepares and writes materials for grant proposals, conference posters, peer-reviewed journal articles and abstracts and final project reports; conducts literature and application searches and reviews.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Theory, principles, practices, methods, chemicals and agents used in chemical and physical analysis and testing of water; water sample preparation methods; laboratory procedures for water analysis; methods and processes used in raw water treatment, including membranes, ozone, chlorine and activated carbon;
- federal EPA regulations and Safe Drinking Water Act; the operation and maintenance of applicable complex, laboratory instrumentation and related computer programs and software;
- programmable laboratory equipment;
- federal EPA methodologies;
- the use of standard laboratory glassware, beakers, flasks, pipettes, etc.; safe laboratory practices and procedures; quality control techniques.
Ability to:
- Design and implement scientific studies and research related to the treatment and monitoring of unregulated contaminants and formation of byproducts, utilizing newly developed and emerging analytic methods and technologies; operate a computer and complex automated/programmable laboratory instrumentation;
- apply principles and scientific methods to the development of new methodologies for identifying unregulated compounds and contaminants; prepare accurate reports and records of test results and special analyses; conduct original research; present scientific data clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, outside consultants and researchers and others encountered in the course of work.
- Delivers professional presentations.
Training and Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a college or university with a doctorate in analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, engineering or another relevant scientific discipline. Knowledge and experience involving water treatment processes is required.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
A valid State of Nevada driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to walk; talk or hear by telephone and in person; sit; climb or balance; smell; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands or arms. Employees are frequently required to stand.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to distinguish basic colors and shades, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Employees must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to
- use oral and written communications skills;
- read documents or instructions;
- analyze and solve complex problems;
- observe and interpret data or information;
- use math and mathematical reasoning;
- learn and apply new information or skills;
- perform highly detailed and precise work;
- and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees are frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and to fumes. Employees must work near moving mechanical apparatus.