Virginia Tech's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is seeking applicants for a Research Scientist position at the Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Laboratory (OWML) in Manassas, Virginia. We seek candidates with a proven track record of scholarship in environmental organic chemistry and extensive experience with advanced analytical instrumentation, particularly liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The successful candidate will substantially contribute to the development of the growing PFAS research program at OWML in collaboration with faculty, students, staff scientists and technicians. The successful candidate will develop new lines of research, lead scientific publications and funding proposals, and supervise students and junior staff. This is an excellent position for a candidate with a background in PFAS research and previous laboratory management experience who is motivated to grow their research profile in a highly collaborative environment. This position provides unique opportunities to engage with a dynamic, growing and highly stakeholder-engaged academic community in the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. region. Job duties will include:
1. Leading the conception and development of research projects related to PFAS, including engaging with stakeholders and committees, identifying and securing funding sources, and defining unit goals. Responsible for allocating resources effectively and communicating results to relevant stakeholders. Contributes significantly to the design, execution, and interpretation of research activities.
2. Project Management: Oversees all phases of project management, including setting priorities, acquiring and managing resources, monitoring budgets, tracking progress, preparing reports, and addressing challenges as they arise. Contributes significantly to ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope.
3. Supervisory Responsibilities: May hold full or partial supervisory responsibility for project personnel. Duties include training in research methods and use of advanced instrumentation, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, conducting evaluations, and recommending personnel actions.
4. Research Execution: Independently conducts research within the field of environmental organic chemistry under general supervision. Responsibilities include development of new or improved analytical methods, experimental and field study design and data collection, and communication of findings through writing reports and manuscripts for academic journals.
5. Mentorship: Provides guidance and support to junior researchers, students, or staff, fostering skill development, academic growth, and professional advancement within the research environment.

Required Qualifications