Environmental Scientist

About the Company

We are a growing environmental sciences consulting firm headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, with approximately 50–100 nationally distributed employees and a strong portfolio of clients, contracts, and projects. Our multidisciplinary team provides environmental, scientific, technical, geospatial, and program management consulting services to public and private sector clients nationally and internationally, particularly addressing coastal and marine resource topics.

Position Summary

Research Planning, Inc. is seeking a qualified candidate to support toxicology program researchers within the Ecotoxicology Branch of the National Centers for Coastal and Ocean Science (NCCOS) in conducting experiments to evaluate and predict the lethal and sublethal impacts of chemical contaminants such as pesticides, hydrocarbons, contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), and environmentally relevant chemical mixtures in coastal ecosystems.

Responsibilities

· Serving as a laboratory technician under the Toxicology / Physiology Program.

· Develop and optimize biomarker assays to assess the mechanistic toxicity and physiological effects of chemical contaminants on estuarine invertebrate and vertebrate species.

· Assist with aquatic animal husbandry.

· Assist with laboratory and mesocosm toxicology assays.

· Assist with mesocosm and field collections as requested.

· Assist in data analysis, report and manuscript writing.

· Present data to the scientific community and public as requested

· Support NCCOS scientists in sample tracking and logging, data entry into electronic databases, and general laboratory support (i.e., glassware preparation, supply inventory, safety compliance, etc.)

Experience Requirements

· Master’s degree in Biology or related discipline with experience working in a laboratory setting.

· Knowledge/experience in toxicology and physiology laboratory assays.

· Experience conducting independent research, analyzing data, and preparing reports.

· Experience with aquatic animal husbandry.

· Experience with dissection, tissue homogenization, microscopy, physiological analyses.

· Ability to support student researchers.

· Ability to compile standard operating procedures (SOP), implement and follow good laboratory practices (GLP).

· Good written and oral communication skills.

Physical and Mental Requirements

The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation:

· Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.

· Prolonged periods of standing while conducting laboratory analyses and operating laboratory equipment.

· Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, pipetting, handling laboratory instruments, and manipulating small objects.

· Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

· Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

· Ability to wear PPE for extended periods, including lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses.

· Ability to analyze data, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions based on established scientific methods and procedures.

· Ability to occasionally spend prolonged time outdoors for field work, including exposure to harsh environments, weather conditions, and uneven terrains.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Offers of employment for this role will depend on the incumbent’s successful completion of a federal agency background check with fingerprinting.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Research Planning, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our policy of equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. We are committed to fostering a fair and merit-based workplace where every employee feels valued and respected.

Do not phone, contact staff members, or appear in person to apply or seek information on this position. Please understand that due to the potential volume of interest, we may not be able to respond to all applicants.

No agencies, please.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person