Postdoctoral Research Associate/ Scientist/Principal Investigator

Full-Time

Fountain Valley, CA

Competitive Salary

Apply to hr@pacewater.com

Description

The Postdoctoral Research Associate/Scientist/Principal Investigator will work with our R&D engineers conducting, planning, organizing, and coordinating a variety of tasks in our in-house PACE Environmental Water Laboratory, as well as in the field, such as physical, chemical, and microbiological analysis of water and wastewater samples, bench- and pilot-scale testing, and other R&D-related tasks in a variety of water, wastewater, and water reuse projects. The successful candidate will join our team of environmental engineers/scientists who are well-known in the industry for excellence in advanced water and wastewater research and technical consulting, and are very well-connected to the academic researchers around the world.

The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following tasks with or without the supervision of the R&D manager:

• Collect and process water, wastewater, stormwater, industrial wastewater, soil, sediment, sludge, and biosolid samples;
  

• Perform water quality analyses for liquid and solid samples onsite and in-house, including physical-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, conductivity, odor, color, turbidity, certain specific inorganic and organic parameters, as well as microbiological parameters;
  

• Prepare a variety of records and reports;
  

• Conduct a variety of bench- and pilot-scale tests in the laboratory or in the field;
  

• Develop new analytical methods based on published literature;
  

• Maintain the laboratory and field equipment;
  

• Author and co-author research and review papers;
  

• Provide assistance for engineering staff to develop conceptual treatment designs
  

• Perform Biowin modeling, WaterPro modeling and RO modeling and
  

• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of this job description.
  

Requirements

• A PhD with a thesis in environmental engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, or environmental science
  

• Previous research experience in at least two of the followings:
  

+ Lab and field water quality analysis: sampling, sample preparation, wet chemistry, instrumental analysis (IC, ICP, GC-MS, HPLC, etc.), data analysis, method development;

+ Environmental microbiology and biotechnology: isolation, identification, and cultivation of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae, production of microbial enzymes, proteins, and carbohydrates, microscopy (light microscopes, SEM/TEM);

+ Chemistry and biology of water and wastewater treatment technologies: biological treatment, chemical treatment, oxidation, disinfection

+ Soil science and agricultural chemistry: geochemical analysis, agronomy

+ Any topics in novel environmental chemistry/biology research (e.g., nanoparticles, renewable energy, green chemistry)

• At least two peer-reviewed publications as a primary author
  

• At least one conference presentation
  

• Able to properly and safely handle hazardous chemicals including concentrated acid and base solutions under general supervision
  

• Understand the principle of aseptic technique
  

• Able to interact effectively with the supervisor and coworkers
  

• A cover letter briefly describing how this position is a good match with your prior training and long term career goals;
  

• A copy of one of your peer-reviewed publications; and
  

• A resume or full curriculum vitae (preferred) with contact information of three references;
  

Resumes will not be accepted without the required application materials.

Physical Demand

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands, handle or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; color vision is very helpful. Field work and travel with overnight stays not likely, but may be required.

Work Environment

The employee will be working partially indoors and partially outdoors and is exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances, odors, and fumes. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided to deal with any occupational hazards. The noise level in the office work environment is moderate. The noise level in the field work environment will include working in and around operating machinery, exposed electrical systems and potentially dusty and dirty environments. The candidate may be required to work in external environments in all weather conditions.

Salary Range

$90,000 - $130,000. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and capabilities.

If interested, please respond to this posting by submitting your resume with salary requirement to: hr@pacewater.com.

CANDIDATES PRESENTED BY RECRUITERS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.