Early-Career Research Scientist/Engineer- Aerosol & Environmental
Quick overview
Job description
ERG is seeking early-career scientists and engineers to support a diverse portfolio of laboratory, field, and applied research projects for the U.S. EPA. The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to aerobiology and aerosol research—including studies involving biological aerosols—while also supporting broader work in air quality and environmental measurements, microbiology, experimental systems, instrumentation, laboratory testing, and data analysis.
This position is well suited for someone with broad scientific or engineering interests who enjoys hands-on work and is eager to gain experience across multiple technical areas. Assignments may include designing and conducting laboratory experiments; operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting scientific instrumentation; collecting and analyzing samples and data; supporting field studies; and developing or adapting experimental systems.
Candidates are not expected to have experience in every area. We are seeking individuals with strong technical fundamentals, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to learn quickly and contribute across a variety of scientific projects. Multiple positions may be filled.
Job Description:
- Support aerosol and aerobiology research, including the generation, sampling, characterization, and evaluation of biological and chemical aerosols in controlled experimental environments
- Contribute to laboratory, field, and applied research projects addressing environmental and public health questions
- Assist with the design, setup, execution, and documentation of scientific experiments and testing programs
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot scientific instruments, aerosol measurement systems, sampling equipment, and experimental test systems
- Support the generation, collection, processing, and characterization of biological, chemical, and environmental samples, as required by project needs
- Perform laboratory activities that may include aerosol generation and measurement, microbiological techniques, environmental sampling, and chemical or physical analyses
- Assist with the design, development, integration, and testing of experimental hardware, instrumentation, and innovative research systems
- Collect, manage, analyze, interpret, and visualize experimental and environmental data
- Troubleshoot, maintain, modify, and repair laboratory and field equipment
- Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, project documentation, and data files
- Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, presentations, procedures, protocols, and other project deliverables
- Support the implementation of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) activities
- Follow all applicable laboratory, field, biosafety, health, and safety procedures
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers on a variety of research and technical assignments
Qualifications and Skills:
- B.S. degree in environmental, mechanical, chemical, biomedical, or related engineering; chemistry; physics; microbiology; environmental science; atmospheric science; or a related scientific or technical discipline
- 0–4 years of relevant professional experience
- Hands-on experience in a laboratory, field, engineering, or other technical environment gained through academic research, internships, employment, or comparable experience
- Strong analytical, quantitative, mechanical, and problem-solving skills
- Interest in working with scientific instrumentation, experimental systems, laboratory equipment, and/or environmental measurement technologies
- Ability to work effectively across multiple technical disciplines and learn new scientific methods, procedures, and equipment
- Strong organizational, documentation, written, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to pass required background checks, as well as pre-employment and random drug screenings
- Experience or academic research involving aerosols, aerobiology, microbiology, or related laboratory sciences
- Hands-on experience with aerosol generation, measurement, collection, characterization, or sample processing
- Experience with biosafety practices, procedures, and laboratory protocols
- Experience working in a BSL-2 and/or aerosol laboratory environment
- Experience conducting environmental or air-quality measurements and sampling
- Familiarity with scientific instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems
- Experience with laboratory experimental design, protocol development, or test-system development
- Experience developing, integrating, modifying, or applying instrumentation and/or commercial off-the-shelf equipment for research applications
- Experience with field sampling, environmental monitoring, or field-based research
- Knowledge of microbiology, aseptic technique, culture methods, molecular methods, or related laboratory practices
- Experience with data processing, analysis, visualization, or programming
- Familiarity with mechanical or electrical systems, sensors, controls, or instrumentation
- Experience troubleshooting, maintaining, calibrating, or repairing scientific or laboratory equipment
- Familiarity with QA/QC procedures, QAPPs, SOPs, or Good Laboratory Practice principles
- Experience preparing technical reports, procedures, protocols, laboratory records, or other technical documentation
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