Environmental Toxicologist I/II

at  University of WisconsinMadison

JOB SUMMARY:

Join the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene as an Environmental Toxicologist! The person in this position will work in the Environmental Toxicology Department to perform toxicity tests on water and sediment samples, conduct routine lab operations and assist with ongoing projects. The position serves as the primary staff responsible for collecting effluent samples from permitees such as wastewater treatment plants, paper mills, manufacturing facilities and the like. This role requires someone who excels in customer service, is highly organized, works well on a team, and has excellent oral and written communication skills. Travel is required and may require extensive driving within Wisconsin and at times an overnight stay (typically three nights per month). Another requirement of this position is the ability to be approved for and maintain driver authorization through UW Risk Management.
Lab duties include maintaining cultures of live organisms including fathead minnows, Daphnia (water fleas), algae, Chironomids and Hyalella for use in toxicity tests. Other duties, for example, include performing toxicity tests, performing quality control and quality assurance activities, writing reports, writing and revising standard operating procedures, training staff, and conducting alternative analyses such as algae tests, non-routine tests, ELISAs and other assays. When needed, the toxicologist will participate in outreach activities, present scientific findings, and assist in developing new methods.
The employee in this position is expected to use the tools and principles of quality management in performing their daily work including the following: Demonstrate exceptional customer service by establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with colleagues, supervisor, managers, and all customers and partners. Provide constructive feedback for the purpose of continuous improvement in a manner that is supportive of WSLH and its mission. Use data collection tools as appropriate. Use effective team skills to contribute to the efficient operation of the work unit. Present ideas, carry out assignments, and provide information as required. Participate in continuous learning through professional development activities.

EDUCATION:

Preferred
Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent level of relevant work experience, in a life science field (e.g. Biology, Toxicology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biotechnology)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum 1 year lab experience required for Environmental Toxicologist I title, which can include internships, work-study, volunteer, or other relevant work-related experiences.
Minimum 3 years relevant professional work experience in a laboratory setting required for Environmental Toxicologist II title.
Experience in aquatic toxicity testing and field sampling preferred.
Knowledge of:
1. Standard operating procedures for performing routine and non-routine aquatic toxicity testing preferred, including knowledge of associated laboratory & sampling equipment.
2. Biology of water fleas and fathead minnows.
3. General and good laboratory practices.
4. Use of scientific laboratory application software, such as spreadsheets, word processing and database operations.
5. Knowledge or theory of laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
6. Knowledge and practice of QA/QC procedures. Experience working in an accredited laboratory environment employing QA/QC practices preferred.
7. Knowledge and practice of laboratory safety.
Required Abilities:
1. Lift up and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds daily.
2. Possess valid driver’s license. Possess and maintain UW Campus Driver Authorization and have acceptable driving record.
3. Ability and willingness to travel independently and routinely across the state. Willingness and ability to travel overnight.
4. Work in all weather conditions.
5. Demonstrated ability to think critically, use sound judgement, troubleshoot effectively and make timely decisions.
6. Exceptional and effective team, interpersonal and customer service skills.
7. Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
8. Be well organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented and able to work in a fast-paced work environment. Must have good time management skills.
9. Work independently after training.
10. Weekend and holiday work on a rotating schedule required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Environmental Toxicologist I (HS050)
Environmental Toxicologist II (HS110)

TASKS:

• Conduct toxicity tests on water and sediment samples
• Conduct alternative analyses such as microtox, algae tests, non-routine tests, ELISAs, molecular-based assays and other assays as needed
• Maintain cultures of live organisms
• Perform quality control and quality assurance activities
• Work required weekends and holidays on a rotating schedule