Chemistry Technician - Oyster Research

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS provides professional and technical support to the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Centers Milford Laboratory, a world-renowned aquaculture research lab. One subject of research at this lab is to investigate interactions between shellfish aquaculture and their surrounding environment.

Primary Function:

AIS is seeking a chemist to work closely with dedicated NOAA scientists under established standard operating procedures (SOP) to process oyster samples for nutrient analysis. Candidates must be comfortable with basic chemistry lab skills and utilizing hazardous chemicals. The technician will also provide investigative support for new research directions through review and synthesis of existing literature related to eastern oysters in the Gulf of Mexico. This is an excellent opportunity for an early career chemist with an advanced degree interested in applied research.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Analyze samples on a spectrophotometer, elemental analyzer, and other analytical instruments.
• Work with centrifuges and muffle furnace according to standard operating procedure.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOP) for washing glassware using a hydrochloric acid water bath and making standard solutions, reagents, and other chemical solutions as needed for sample analysis.
• Understand safety procedures in the laboratory, handle chemicals safely, correctly label chemicals and hazardous waste and dispose of chemical reagents in compliance with state regulations.
• Conduct routine quality control (QAQC) procedures on measurements for all analysis.
• Run determinations of Phosphate concentrations in both dried oyster tissue and shell samples.
• Search common databases of peer-reviewed literature (e.g., Web of Science, Google Scholar) and review articles for data availability and relevance to research topic of interest.
• Compile, organize, QAQC, and maintain data from internal and external sources into spreadsheet and/or database format.
• Be able to work independently.
• Provide detailed laboratory notebooks of sample analysis when requested.
• Visualize data, create summary statistics, conduct preliminary data exploration, determine precision and accuracy of in-house sample analysis.
• Combust samples and use a grinding and sieve method for samples according to standard operating procedures.
• Use power tools to grind shells.
• Complete mandatory safety training.
• Modify standard operating procedures and create standard operating procedures when necessary.

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on candidates depth of experience. This is a full time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• M.S. in Biological or Chemical Sciences required.
• Understanding of Microsoft Office Suite
• Be able to lift 50 pounds
• Be able to drive

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in environmental chemistry
• Experience performing bench work in lab
• Experience reviewing research literature
• Experience in data management and/or analysis

Travel:

• No Travel Anticipated

Location:

• Hybrid schedule: working in lab in Milford, CT with situational remote work

Contact:

If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please click the following link http://aisobservers.com/careers/ to submit the required information:

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing analytical chemistry experience.
• 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number)

All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please feel free to contact the Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected] or 508-990-9055.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Must be able to work in the U.S. VEVRAA Federal Contractor Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals Equal Opportunity Employer