What are the responsibilities and job description for the CSO-2026-3 - Research Scientist 3 (Internal Posting) position at NJ Department of Environmental Protection?
Open to: Department-Wide
Work Week: NL (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P25) $77,143.55 - $113,263.75
Opening Date: 4/15/2026
Closing Date: 4/29/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of the Chief Strategy Officer
Division of Science and Research
Bureau of Risk Analysis
428 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Scope of Eligibility
Open to permanent employees that work for the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the direction of a Research Scientist 1 or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, conducts or participates in research projects or developed programs in a specified professional field; does other related work.
Specific to the Position
Within the Division of Science and Research, this scientist will conduct and assist in studies related to environmental contaminants with a pronounced focus on PFAS. The scientist will serve as a manager of research contracts and grants developed with internal and external collaborators, will assist in the conceptualization and development of research studies, contract development, conducting field audits, coordinating requests for proposals, and providing technical support to other projects and staff. The scientists will evaluate the occurrence of contaminants of concern in the environment, provide assessment of the risk to human and environmental health, make summary information and data available to other Departmental programs. This person may serve as a technical PFAS point-of-contact for the division to other DEP programs. This scientist will represent the Division on internal and external committees and participate in facilitation of the NJDEP Science Advisory Board.
Preferred Skill Set
Special consideration will be given to candidates with proven understanding of PFAS in the environment, excellent organization and communication skills, knowledge of principles of modern research and statistical methods, knowledge of essential quality assurance practices, and the ability to prepare clear and concise technical reports.
Requirements
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the position.
EXPERIENCE:
Two (2) years of experience in a field appropriate to the position.
NOTE: A Doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the position may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.
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.
Employee Benefits
As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
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.
Work Week: NL (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P25) $77,143.55 - $113,263.75
Opening Date: 4/15/2026
Closing Date: 4/29/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of the Chief Strategy Officer
Division of Science and Research
Bureau of Risk Analysis
428 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Scope of Eligibility
Open to permanent employees that work for the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the direction of a Research Scientist 1 or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, conducts or participates in research projects or developed programs in a specified professional field; does other related work.
Specific to the Position
Within the Division of Science and Research, this scientist will conduct and assist in studies related to environmental contaminants with a pronounced focus on PFAS. The scientist will serve as a manager of research contracts and grants developed with internal and external collaborators, will assist in the conceptualization and development of research studies, contract development, conducting field audits, coordinating requests for proposals, and providing technical support to other projects and staff. The scientists will evaluate the occurrence of contaminants of concern in the environment, provide assessment of the risk to human and environmental health, make summary information and data available to other Departmental programs. This person may serve as a technical PFAS point-of-contact for the division to other DEP programs. This scientist will represent the Division on internal and external committees and participate in facilitation of the NJDEP Science Advisory Board.
Preferred Skill Set
Special consideration will be given to candidates with proven understanding of PFAS in the environment, excellent organization and communication skills, knowledge of principles of modern research and statistical methods, knowledge of essential quality assurance practices, and the ability to prepare clear and concise technical reports.
Requirements
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the position.
EXPERIENCE:
Two (2) years of experience in a field appropriate to the position.
NOTE: A Doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the position may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.
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.
Employee Benefits
As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Paid Benefit Leave
- Holiday Pay
- Alternative Workweek Program*
- Telework*
- Pension
- Deferred Compensation
- Health Benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life Insurance
- Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
- Commuter Tax Savings Program
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Tuition Reimbursement*
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.
Salary : $77,144 - $113,264