Research Scientist

Open to: General Public

Work Week: NL (35-hour) Work Week

Salary: (P25) $74,534.83 - $105,943.75

Opening Date: 4/14/2025

Closing Date: 5/5/2025

Existing Vacancies: 3

Program/Location

Department of Environmental Protection

Office of the Deputy Commissioner

Division of Science and Research

Office of Quality Assurance (2 positions)

428 East State Street

Trenton, NJ 08625

Department of Environmental Protection

Office of the Deputy Commissioner

Division of Science and Research

Bureau of Risk Analysis (1 position)

428 East State Street

Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility

Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Description

Under the limited supervision of a Research Scientist 1 or other supervisory official in a State department, institution, or agency, implements and carries out chemical research projects designed by higher-level scientific staff, primarily in a laboratory setting and may include related field and/or office work; does other related duties as required.

Specific to the Position

Positions #1 and #2

Responsibilities are related to the administration of the NJDEP Laboratory Certification Program and the administration of the NJDEP Quality Assurance Program, including, but not limited to, conducting on-site audits of labs analyzing samples for drinking water, wastewater, solid/hazardous waste, and air. Areas of analytical capability may include inorganic/organic chemistry, radiochemistry, asbestos or microbiology. Assures the analytical methodology is consistent with test procedures established by national organizations, and data generated by the methodology is accurate and acceptable for use by the environmental community. Leads projects to evaluate and define the technical standards needed for the operation of scientific instrumentation used for the analyses of environmental samples. Makes qualitative evaluations related to the generation, collection, review and use of analytical data. Approximately 25-30% of work time may involve traveling.

Position #3

This analytical chemist will determine current analytical capability of laboratories to measure various contaminants for the development and setting of standards in various media; provide technical support to ground water, surface water, and drinking water rule proposal programs; and manage research projects related to Division needs. The appointee will provide statistical and technical support by designing environmental studies, interpreting data, performing statistical analyses, preparing reports on the results, reviewing environmental reports, and analyzing pre-existing databases. This position requires the ability to clearly present complex scientific information in writing and orally. This scientist will advise on the use of scientific information in policy decisions, represent the Division on internal and external committees, and participate in the coordination of the NJDEP Science Advisory Board.

Preferred Skill Set

Position #1 and #2

Strong knowledge of environmental testing methodologies and quality assurance/quality control procedures used in the analyses of drinking water, wastewater, and solid/hazardous waste, and experience performing analytical techniques. An understanding of state and federal regulations and requirements. Ability to multi-task, and write clear, technically sound, accurate and factual reports to evaluate a laboratory's compliance with State and Federal regulations.

Position #3

Special consideration will be given to candidates with previous experience with lead and copper release and corrosion, chemical fate and transport of historical and emerging contaminants, and/or drinking water and wastewater treatment technologies. Statistical knowledge, including predictive modeling, parametric and nonparametric tests, resampling methods, analysis of censored data, Bayesian statistics, multivariate methods, and/or geospatial analyses is a plus.

Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master of Science degree in Chemistry or other appropriate physical or environmental science discipline.

EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of experience in chemical analysis or research.

NOTE: A Doctorate in a physical, chemical, or environmental science discipline may be substituted for the experience indicated above.

OR

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry or other appropriate physical or environmental science discipline.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of experience in chemical analysis or research; one (1) year of which must be in the operation of the gas chromatography mass spectrometer, gas chromatograph, high performance liquid chromatograph, fourier transform mass spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrometer, x-ray defractor, transmission electron microscope, or updated replacement thereof.

NOTE: All U.S. degrees and transcripts must be from an accredited college or university. All foreign degrees and transcripts must be evaluated for accreditation by a recognized evaluation service by the closing date of this posting. Failure to provide documentation may result in ineligibility.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

SAME Applicants

If you are applying under the NJ SAME program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter) must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME program, please visit SAME Program, email SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at (609) 292-4144 and select Option #3.

Veteran's Preference

To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated. For more information, please visit https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-service-preference/

Residency

All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act”.

Authorization to Work

Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations. NOTE: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of New Jersey seeks to increase the richness and diversity of its workforce, and in doing so, become the employer of choice for all people seeking to work in State Government. To evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts to attract and employ a diverse workforce, applicants are asked to voluntarily answer a few brief questions on the NJ Affirmative Action Information Form. All information is considered confidential and will be filed separately with the agency's affirmative action officer. This information will not be part of your application for employment and will not be considered in any hiring decision.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to inclusive hiring and a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations under ADA will be provided upon request.