Researcher 2: Environmental Engineering | University of Minnesota Duluth
University of Minnesota Duluth
Location
Duluth, MN | United States
Job description
About the Job:
The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking a Staff Scientist with expertise in Environmental Engineering to join our team and support applied research focused on development of treatment technologies to address growing concern around emerging contaminants. We are an interdisciplinary group of research staff, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students with backgrounds in chemistry and engineering and a shared passion for the environment. Topics of ongoing research within the laboratory include bench-scale evaluation of adsorption-based technologies for removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from stormwater and groundwater, field evaluation of biochar-amended filtration systems for removal of pesticides from stormwater, and assessment of PFAS fate during anaerobic digestion of food waste.
The Staff Scientist will work closely with more senior project staff to provide experimental and engineering support for projects focused on treatment and remediation. Efforts will be focused on adsorption technologies for separation of PFAS from contaminated water, as well as thermal processes including pyrolysis and hydrothermal processing. Specific responsibilities will be as follows:
Job Duties: Engineering research (30%) :
- Work with experienced research staff to conduct treatment and remediation experiments at the laboratory-, bench-, pilot-scale, including batch and column adsorption tests.
- Apply numerical software to derive design parameters from experimental data and perform statistical analyses, scale-up calculations, and cost analyses.
Design and fabrication (20%):
- Work closely with support staff to design and fabricate experimental apparatuses and associated equipment for treatment and remediation experiments.
- Contribute to the development of new experimental procedures and coordinate with support staff to ensure safe operation of equipment.
Reporting (20%):
- Compile summary data reports and prepare interim project reports.
- Produce figures and tables for reports and publications.
Field work (10%):
- Perform environmental sampling according to standard procedures and conduct demonstration-scale testing in the field, including deployment and operation of the NRRI mobile stormwater research trailer to test adsorption performance under site-specific conditions.
Quantitative analysis (10%):
- Prepare environmental and laboratory-generated samples for water quality analyses and analysis of emerging contaminants.
- Coordinate with other project staff to submit samples according to laboratory-specific procedures.
Administrative work (10%):
- Support purchasing and data management for treatment and engineering projects.
- Maintain training records for experimental protocols.
Required Qualifications:
- BS/BA in Environmental Engineering or related discipline and 1 year of experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal five (5) years,
- Demonstrated knowledge of chemistry, water treatment, and engineering concepts, including experience and/or coursework,
- Problem-solving and hands-on mechanical skills that can be related to maintaining and troubleshooting experimental equipment.
- Basic skills in programming and/or numerical computer software (e.g., R Studio, Matlab, Python, etc).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Focus, attention to detail, and ability to work independently to carry out tasks on time.
- Effective oral and written communication in English.
- Valid US drivers license and ability to drive with a trailer.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with design, drafting, fabrication, machining, and/or production techniques, including application of computer-aided drafting software and fabrication of custom equipment.
- Proficiency in coding and numerical and/or statistical analysis software.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the concepts of mass transport, particularly regarding adsorption/absorption.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a part of a team, particularly relating to communication among team members and use of shared space and/or resources.
- Experience with basic quantitative lab\oratory techniques in analytical chemistry and water quality testing,
- Experience conducting or participating in field work, particularly related to water resources or water quality.
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About University of Minnesota Duluth
The University of Minnesota Duluth integrates liberal education, research, creative activity, and public engagement and prepares students to thrive as lifelong learners and globally engaged citizens.
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