The Public Health Institute (PHI) is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting health, well-being, and quality of life for people throughout California, across the nation and around the world. As one of the largest and most comprehensive public health organizations in the nation, we are at the forefront of research and innovations to improve the efficacy of public health statewide, nationally, and internationally.
PHI was distinguished as one of the top 50 “Best Non-Profit Organizations to Work For” by the Non-Profit Times in a national search.
Position Summary
Public Health Institute (PHI) seeks a full-time Research Associate IV to work with The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at the Department of Toxic Substances Control. The incumbent will work with the programs and outside stake holders to conduct research and analysis of toxic and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and non-targeted chemicals in humans and wildlife, products, dust and the environment. The position will develop and validate complex analytical methods using scientific theories and principles to identify and measure unknown or regulated chemicals of potentially emerging concerns/interests to the programs and stake holders, identify exposure pathways, and protect public health and the environment.
This is a regular full-time (40 hours/week) position that is required to work in person in Berkeley, California with the option to work 1 day remotely per the current lab schedule which may change in the future.
Full salary range for this position: $68,581 to $99,425 per year. The typical hiring range for this position is from $68,581 (minimum) to $84,003 (midpoint), based on 100% FTE. The starting salary is determined based on the candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience, as well as budget availability.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Method development, optimization, and validation for target and non-targeted chemicals of emerging concern in biota and environmental samples
- Prepare samples and apply complex analytical methods to determine trace levels of environmental contaminants using GC and/or LC-QTOF/MS, and other mass spectrometers including GC and/or LC-MS/MS
- Maintain and troubleshoot the instrument
- Ensure that laboratory procedures are adhered to QA/QC and other procedures in compliance with ISO17025
- Prepare final report, interpret data and results, present at workshop and national/international scientific conference, and write publications to peer review journals
- Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- 5 years of related research experience including:
- Hands on experience in trace organic analysis (preferably biota samples), solvent extraction and column chromatography procedures, and familiarity with data analysis using spreadsheets, statistical software or databases (e.g., Excel, MiniTab, STATA)
- Experience in sample preparation, instrument analysis or related field
- Experience using knowledge in organic chemistry, biochemistry and mass spectrometry
- Bachelor’s degree in science or quantitative field, or substitute with four additional years of related experience
Other Required Qualifications
- Hepatitis B vaccination
- Good oral and writing communication skills
- Experience on exposomics and metabolomics using high resolution MS including GC-HRMS, GC and/or LC-QTOF/MS
- Ability to work both efficiently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment
- Demonstrated research excellence with good publication record
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field
FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) STATUS
This position is classified as exempt based on the job duties. However, based on the FTE, salary level of the employee, or federal/state/local laws, the employee may be classified as nonexempt.
Other Information
This position provides excellent benefits. If you are interested, please apply with your cover letter and resume as soon as possible.
EEO Statement
The Public Health Institute is committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition including genetic characteristics, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identification and expression, sexual orientation, and to make all employment decisions so as to further this principle of equal employment opportunity. To this end, the PHI will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition including genetic characteristics, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identification and expression, sexual orientation, and will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are offered employment and employees are treated during employment without regard to these characteristics.
For further information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
ADA Statement:
The Public Health Institute is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Recruitment Team at least 48 hours in advance at Recruitment@phi.org.
To apply for any position, you must create an account on the Public Health Institute’s job application site. After creating your account, you may search the open positions and apply for the specific position that interests you. Please note, mailed and emailed applications will not be accepted.
We’re so pleased the Public Health Institute is an organization you would like to work with. Do you have questions about this opportunity? If so, email our recruitment team at Recruitment@phi.org.
Find out more about the benefits of working at PHI.
