Researcher/Scientist III

The Ramirez-Andreotta Integrated Environmental Science and Health Risk Laboratory is seeking a Researcher/Scientist III interested in ecosystem health and justice. Our research focuses on environmental monitoring, exposure science, co-created community science, justice, and data sharing. This position will work at the academia-community interface with a strong emphasis on community science and research translation. Responsibilities for this position include laboratory management, research, community science, and research translation to stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have work experience in soil, environmental, or plant sciences, geosciences, and environmental public health (exposure science) or a related field. The ideal candidate will have experience in: (1) field or controlled experiments and in laboratory analysis of soil, dust or plant samples and (2) co-created community science. Strong data management and statistical analysis skills will be applied to be successful in the work of this position. The position's responsibilities require networking with other programs on campus and community-based organizations. The successful candidate should also be comfortable in assisting with the organization of community engagement events on environmental health topics. The position requires travel for field sampling, community engagement and research translation and scientific meetings.

Using an environmental justice (EJ) framework, Dr. Ramirez-Andreotta's research program focuses on five primary areas of Environmental Health: (1) Participatory approaches to science to increase environmental health literacy and achieve justice, (2) Environmental monitoring, (3) Exposure science, (4) Science and risk communication, and (5) Data science and management.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Laboratory Management and Analysis:

• Manage laboratory purchases, equipment, organization, and all activities in the laboratory.
• Manage chain of custody for all samples entering and leaving the laboratory.
• Travel to University buildings and/or off-campus laboratories to drop off samples.
• Coordination of routine environmental sample analysis related to research.
• Supervision of undergraduate student workers and part-time employees who assist with research.
• New protocol development related to research questions identified by community partners.
• Management and organization of physical and digital inventory of all lab and student spaces.
• Organization of environmental sampling kit building for DIY and lab-based analyses of soil, water, and dust.
• Arranging lab inspections and hazardous waste pickups.

Research Design, Data Analysis, and Publication:

• Assist in the design of field and laboratory experiments to address community research questions.
• Data analysis and statistical evaluation of results, under moderate guidance.
• Assist with the presentation and publication of results as reports to stakeholders and manuscripts to the scientific community.
• Maintenance of data archive including quality control and data management.
• Assist with the migration of environmental data into public-facing website platforms, website management.
• Development and management of social science data collection tools (focus groups, interviews, and surveys).
• Creation of ArcGIS maps for student research projects.
• High Occupancy Vehicle driving for field trips.

Field Sampling Coordination:

• Organization and execution of field sampling trips including logistics, safety, and timing with students.
• Maintenance and organization of field sampling equipment.
• Processing and archiving of field samples.
• Training students and community members in proper sampling protocols.
• Travel for field sampling, driving off-road vehicles.
• Design of sampling strategy.
• Using ArcGIS Pro and other geospatial data to map locations prior to, during, and post sampling.

Program Coordination and Student Engagement:

• Setting up trainings for students and student workers.
• Managing Operational Advance with Business Office.
• Ensuring Risk Management and Financial Services policies are followed.
• Reviewing student work relevant to projects.
• Providing opportunities for shadowing and novel experiences in lab and community settings.
• Time approval for student workers and part-time employees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong writing skills.
• Strong science communication skills for community engagement.
• Ability to conduct physical field work under arid desert conditions.
• Knowledge of environmental public health concerns associated with environmental and climate justice.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience.
• Five years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• MS, PhD or comparable work experience in soil, environmental, or plant sciences, geosciences, environmental public health (exposure science) or a related field.
• Experience with statistical analysis and spreadsheet software (R, Excel, etc.).
• Experience in community science and engagement.
• Field work experience.
• Experience in program development.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English, fluent; able to communicate.