Research Technician (Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry)
: Job Details :

Company Description

Shaw Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit scientific research organization based in Maine with a mission to connect environmental health to human health through scientific research and community outreach. We focus on monitoring environmental health threats, conducting innovative research, and collaboration to enhance human and ecological health. Our work focuses on ocean pollution, plastics, PFAS, climate change, and more.

Role Description

The Shaw Institute is recruiting to fill the position of GCMS Research Technician to implement research and monitoring initiatives from its Blue Hill Research Center on the mid-Maine coast. This is a leadership opportunity for a highly motivated individual with a background in environmental toxicology/chemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field, and excellent organizational, analytical, and communications skills. The technician will conduct sample analysis using multiple scientific instruments, mostly Pyrolysis-GC/MS, and will help design and carry out collaborative research and monitoring projects, supervise research support staff, build relationships with partner organizations, and assist with the expansion of research while contributing to manuscripts. Sample analysis revolves around plastic contamination within various substrates but also includes other contaminants such as PFAS chemicals and more from humans, marine mammals, and other species. We seek a highly motivated individual who is excited about science and is eager to learn as much as lead and grow. We also invest in you as a professional and can potentially help with moving or housing if funds are available.

Primary Role and Responsibilities

• Maintain and run including PY-GC/MS.
• Create methodology for new sample types if need be.
• Receive additional training to run a Pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (if needed).
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Oversee data management across projects; assist with literature reviews, background searches to support projects and publications.
• Management of the Environmental Specimen Bank; oversee necropsies and processing/archiving of tissue samples as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience with GC/MS or PY-GC/MS is highly sought.
• Experience within a scientific laboratory; safety and procedure training, safe laboratory practices.
• Ability to conduct, publish, and present scientific research and communicate findings to the public and peers.
• Excellent organizational and communications skills: ability to meet deadlines, and at times, work under challenging conditions and/or irregular work hours.
• A high level of computer literacy. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, as well as database, statistical, and basic graphics programs.
• Proficiency in statistical software or analysis