Visiting Associate Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry - Illinois State Water Survey, PRI

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research - Chemical Laboratory 55% Serve as Principal Investigator for externally funded research grants and contracts, including new proposal development and delivery of sponsor-required outputs. Seek out fee-for-service analytical opportunities across PRI, UIUC, and globally. Provide strategic leadership and make high level decisions impacting laboratory operations, including service and analysis offerings, client outreach and development, and overall business functions. Oversee personnel management, including supervision of laboratory staff, hiring, onboarding, performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and prioritization of staff responsibilities. In coordination with the Laboratory Manager and ISWS leadership, ensure staff are trained and adhering to Standard Operating Procedures and safety practices. Monitor budgets and make financial decisions; coordinate with ISWS leadership, PRI Accounting, and PRI Grants and Contracts to ensure laboratory future capabilities and financial success. Develop and maintain service rates with PRI and UI Purchasing staff in accordance with System Government Costing requirements; communicate changes to sponsors and clients in a timely manner. Oversee on-time client deliverable delivery and timely invoicing processes, including invoice generation, tracking, coordination with accounting, and follow-up on outstanding invoices; maintain familiarity with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Serve as the primary point of contact for client inquiries, analytical requests, audits, emergencies, facility issues, and other operational needs. Conduct internal reviews of process and safety audits to improve laboratory efficiency, quality, and compliance. Oversee purchasing and procurement activities, maintain purchasing card certification, and ensure timely and accurate expense reporting in coordination with PRI Purchasing.
• Research - Laboratory Technical Oversight 25% Stay current with developments in analytical methodologies, instrumentation, and client/research needs to ensure laboratory services align with best practices and proactively address emerging analytical research needs. Maintain familiarity with new and existing laboratory methods and analytical approaches. Assist with instrument maintenance and lifecycle planning. Collaborate with instrument troubleshooting in coordination with the Laboratory Manager. Lead innovative and original research efforts in water analytics. Submit proposals to external funding agencies to support original research objectives. Collaborate with other ISWS, PRI, UIUC, and external scientists to draft successful proposals and perform water-related research.
• Research Quality Assurance 10% Work closely with the Quality Assurance staff to review, approve, and report data in a timely manner. Collaborate to resolve analytical issues, data quality concerns, and other factors affecting data integrity and reporting.
• Professional Engagement 10% Lead laboratory staff meetings and participate in PRI and ISWS meetings to remain aligned with organizational priorities. Conduct outreach to expand the laboratory client base and strengthen engagement with UIUC, PRI, and external partners. Stay current with developments in the discipline through training, conferences, and professional activities; travel may be required. Perform additional duties as needed to support the mission and goals of PRI and the University of Illinois.