Research Specialist III

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Water Quality Lab Manager to lead our growing laboratory in analyzing and monitoring the waters of the Lowcountry.

The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of the laboratory operations, including managing personnel, conducting analyses, maintaining equipment, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and contributing to research projects. Responsibilities :

• Direct and manage the Water Quality Lab to analyze and monitor various water parameters, including total nitrogen, phosphorus, fecal coliform, enterococci, suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, and in-situ measurements such as temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity.
• Identify, purchase, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies necessary for water quality analyses.
• Obtain and maintain State of South Carolina DHEC certification for the lab and all water quality parameters.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory analyses and operations.
• Maintain written manuals for sample receipt, storage, documentation, and processing procedures.
• Conduct water quality analyses following established operating procedures and ensure the accuracy and reliability of results.
• Establish a system to store, evaluate, and disseminate resulting data appropriately.
• Plan, manage, and administer the laboratory budget, ensuring proper documentation and record-keeping.
• Collect water samples for analysis as needed and ensure compliance with sampling protocols.
• Participate in the design and implementation of applied research projects related to water quality.
• Train and supervise graduate and undergraduate research assistants as required.

Required Education and Experience Bachelors degree in a related research field (such as Biology, Marine Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Coastal Ecology, Oceanography) and 3 or more years of experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and / or experience.

Preferred Qualifications Preference will be given to those candidates with experience conducting the analyses described in the job summary and / or managing a water quality lab.

Understanding of both the theoretical and technical aspects of the operation and maintenance of a Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and Elemental Analyzer, and ICP-Atomic Emission Spectrometer is also preferred.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Working knowledge of laboratory methods, equipment, facilities, materials and experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment.

The ability to maintain a high degree of quality assurance / quality control. The ability to develop, evaluate and implement research methodologies and laboratory procedures and plan, organize and evaluate activities.

The ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences. Proficiency with basic computer programs to include word processing, data spreadsheets and statistical analyses.

Experience in budget development, management, evaluation and administration. Must have the ability to assist with the writing of grant proposals and scientific publications.

Job Duties Job Duty Manage day to day operations of the lab including laboratory policy development and enforcement, equipment maintenance and quality control, budgeting, record keeping, staff supervision, sample collection schedule, and collaborating with grantors to address requests.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 40 Job Duty Conduct water quality analyses as required to obtain and maintain State of South Carolina DHEC laboratory and parameter certifications related to the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Acts.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10 Job Duty Collect water samples at strategic locations for analysis as appropriate.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10 Job Duty Prepare and deliver water quality reports to grantors within 48 hours of running samples.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty Design, conduct, and dissemination of applied research projects related to water quality in the lowcountry.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10 Position Attributes Hazardous weather category Non-Essential Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR Drug and Alcohol Testing.

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