Research Specialist III

Posting Details

To navigate through this form, please use the Prev" and Save & Continue" buttons at the top of the page. Do not use your browsers Back" button as it will not save your progress and data will be lost.

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number: RTF00202PO24 USC Market Title: Research Laboratory Manager Link to USC Market Title: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles156391

Business Title: Internal Title: Research Specialist III Campus: Beaufort Work County: Beaufort College Division: USC Beaufort College Division Level: Department BFT Academic Affairs

Anticipated Hiring Range: $57,779

Location of Vacancy: Part Full Time Full Time Hours per Week: 37.5 Work Schedule: Standard working schedule (8:30am - 5:00pm) Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Type of Staff Position: Staff Research Grant SRGP Basis: 12 months

Job Search Category: Other Professional

About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate, and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster, and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelors degrees through a combination of in-person, online, or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service, helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions

Are Indicated Below

The University of South Carolina (UofSC) through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave, and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the Working at USC section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.

Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits based on the grant or project funding.

South Carolina Retirement

Yes State Insurance Programs Yes Annual Leave Yes Sick Leave Yes

Position Description

Advertised 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.

Job Related

Minimum 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.

Required Certification

• Licensure
• Other Credentials

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, and 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 and 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, including 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

• 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

• 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

• Collect water samples at strategic locations for analysis as appropriate.

• Essential Function: Yes

• Percentage of Time: 10

• Prepare and deliver water quality reports to grantors within 48 hours of running samples.

• Essential Function: Yes

• Percentage of Time: 30

• Design, conduct, and disseminate 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 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

No Posting Detail Information

• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Desired Start Date:
• Position End Date:
• Job Open Date: 06/14/2024
• Job Close Date: Open Until Filled
• Special Instructions to Applicant:
• Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website.
• After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time.
• This employment site is updated on a regular basis.
• The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position depending upon a variety of factors.
• Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
• Quicklink for Posting: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings170030

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, including transgender, gender identity, or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, false pregnancy termination, childbirth, recovery therefrom, or related medical conditions, breastfeeding, race, religion, including religious dress and grooming practices, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk.

Applicant Documents

Required documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of References and Contact Information
• Optional documents