Analytical Chemist - Illinois Fire Service Institute

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, optimize,
  validate, and implement analytical methods for the detection and quantification
  of chemical compounds in biological matrices and other research samples.
• Perform qualitative and
  quantitative analyses using chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques,
  including HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS, as appropriate to the research
  objectives.
• Prepare and process
  biological and other research samples using appropriate extraction, cleanup,
  and analytical procedures.
• Operate, maintain,
  troubleshoot, and optimize analytical instruments and associated software to
  ensure reliable performance and high-quality analytical results.
• Process, analyze,
  interpret, and document analytical data, including implementation of
  appropriate quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Develop and maintain
  standard operating procedures, analytical protocols, laboratory documentation,
  and quality control records.
• Collaborate with
  investigators and research staff on experimental design, analytical strategies,
  data interpretation, and the integration of analytical findings into research
  outcomes.
• Contribute to the
  preparation of scientific manuscripts, conference presentations, technical
  reports, and research summaries.
• Assist with the development
  of research proposals, identification of funding opportunities, and preparation
  of grant applications to support IFSI's analytical chemistry and first-responder
  health research programs.
• Support research activities
  involving human participants and biological specimens, including sample
  collection and processing, as needed and in accordance with approved protocols
  and applicable institutional requirements.
• Maintain laboratory
  operations, including inventory management, procurement of supplies, equipment
  coordination, and implementation of appropriate laboratory safety practices.
• Coordinate with instrument manufacturers,
  service engineers, and technical specialists regarding instrument maintenance,
  troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Participate in
  interdisciplinary research meetings and academic and community events as an
  IFSI representative.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry,
   Toxicology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
2. Demonstrated research
   experience in analytical chemistry, particularly analytical method development,
   optimization, validation, and quantitative analysis.
3. Hands-on experience with
   chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques, such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, or
   ICP-MS.
4. Experience with sample
   preparation, instrument operation, analytical data processing, and
   interpretation of results.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience analyzing
   biological matrices, including human serum, plasma, urine, or other
   biospecimens.
2. Experience in
   biomonitoring, toxicology, environmental chemistry, occupational exposure
   assessment, or related research areas.
3. Experience developing and
   validating methods for trace-level chemical analysis.
4. Familiarity with
   human-subjects research, biospecimen handling, and institutional regulatory
   requirements, including IRB, IBC, or IACUC procedures.
5. Experience with laboratory
   instrumentation maintenance, inventory management, equipment acquisition, and
   laboratory organization.
6. Experience with statistical
   analysis, data visualization, or scientific programming tools such as Python or
   SPSS.
7. Familiarity with research
   data management platforms such as REDCap, Qualtrics, Box, or GitHub.
8. Experience contributing to
   grant proposals, scientific publications, or research presentations.
9. Ability to collaborate
   effectively with interdisciplinary research teams and external research
   partners.

Knowledge, Skills and
Abilities:

1. Knowledge of analytical
   quality assurance and quality control principles and laboratory best practices.
2. Strong troubleshooting,
   critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work
   independently and collaboratively.
3. Excellent communication
   skills, including the ability to document analytical procedures and communicate
   scientific findings.
4. Strong organizational skills
   and the ability to manage multiple analytical tasks and research priorities.
5. Proficiency with standard
   scientific computing and data management tools, including Microsoft Office
   applications.

Appointment Information:

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after February 1, 2027. Salary range for this role is $75,000-90,000.

This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, January 8, 2027. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Keri Borchers, kerib@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1039038

Job Category: Research

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu