Emerging Contaminants Research Scientist

The Emerging Contaminants Research Scientist position is accountable for conducting and directing self-initiated research, coordinating multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary research related to the occurrence, fate, transport, and human health impacts of emerging contaminants in groundwater that may include PFAS, microplastics, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. The scientist will provide statewide technical expertise by reviewing existing research and publications, identifying gaps, and designing studies through self-initiated and collaborative work. This role includes solely developing study designs, coordinating data collection, implementing advanced statistical analyses, and preparing comprehensive reports to inform policy and management.

The scientist will diligently contribute to peer-reviewed publications, represent the department at professional conferences, and provide expert consultation and technical guidance to research and policy stakeholders. The position requires strong interdisciplinary collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including scientists, regulatory agencies, and university partners, on complex research challenges. The scientist will work closely with other department staff, including Water Quality Program, to advance strategic and applied research goals.

Responsibilities also include developing grant proposals, directing long-term research planning, and securing funding to sustain research initiatives. The incumbent will conduct training sessions, facilitate technology transfer, and serve as a resource for emerging contaminant research, thus enhancing the department’s scientific capabilities and promoting public awareness and policy integration on both state and national levels.

Job Details

• Background Checks: The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to job offer. Please note that a criminal charge or conviction on your record will not necessarily disqualify you from state employment. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the DNR does not discriminate on the basis of arrest or conviction record.
• Eligibility to work in United States: The Department of Natural Resources does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9 upon hire.
• Probation: A 12-month probationary period may be required.
• Reference Check: References are not required at the time of application but will be required upon successful completion of the interview process.
• Remote Work: Based on an assessment of the goals and work activities, this position may be eligible for remote work. Remote work approval is based on individual circumstances and is subject to supervisor approval and DNR remote work policies. Approval is subject to change without notice based on business needs. Employees with approved remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin.
• Driver License Requirement: The selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment and meet the requirements of the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle Policy. The candidate must be at least 18 years of age with 2 years driving experience. Candidates with three (3) or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two (2) years, or who have an OWI/DUE violation within the past year are not eligible to drive state vehicles.
• Travel: Some travel is required.

Qualifications

Please make sure to describe and provide detailed examples within your resume and/or letter of qualifications for EACH of the following qualifications you meet.

Required qualifications include experience in ALL the following criteria:

• Education, training, or experience in hydrogeology, environmental engineering, or related fields (e.g.: hydrology, geochemistry, environmental science, civil or chemical engineering with an environmental emphasis)
• Experience conducting and/or directing multi-disciplinary natural resource research studies or projects including hypothesis formulation, methods determination, data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and reporting.
• Experience using programming languages, such as R, Python, SAS, or MATLAB for data analysis and visualization

In addition, preferred qualifications include any of the following criteria:

• Experience working on projects related to groundwater quality, focused on hydrogeologic and chemical processes governing the fate and transport of contaminants in groundwater.
• Experience applying analytical and numerical groundwater modeling solutions, such as MODFLOW, to analyze and address complex hydrologic challenges
• Experience publishing journal articles and/or peer reviewed technical reports in the field of hydrogeology