CSO-2026-6 Research Scientist 2, Chemistry (Internal Posting)

Open to: Division-Wide
Work Week:   NL (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P28) $88,529.64 – $130,338.54
Opening Date: 6/12/26
Closing Date: 6/26/26
Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of the Chief Strategy Officer
Science and Research
Office of Quality Assurance
401 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility
Open to permanent employees in a competitive title who work for the Division of Science and Research and meet the requirements below.

Description
Under the general supervision of a Research Scientist 1, Chemistry or other supervisory official in a State department, institution, or agency, takes the lead in designing, coordinating, and implementing complex chemical research projects, primarily in a laboratory setting, and may include related field and/or office work; does other related duties as required.

Specific to the Position
The candidate's responsibilities will include, but not limited to, conducting onsite audits of labs conducting analyses of various samples in drinking water, wastewater, solid and hazardous waste, air, sludge and biological tissue; serve as staff member responsible for asbestos, micro and inorganic parameters and audits & DEP technical assistance. Evaluate the quality of asbestos, micro and inorganic analytical data; evaluate the quality of analytical data, methodology and instrumentation, and provide technical training of asbestos, micro and inorganic chemistry and lab certification activities to labs; recommend approval to provide analytical data to departmental programs, local and municipal agencies and citizens; and may function as scientific consultant for asbestos, inorganics, micro and emerging contaminants.

Knowledge of USEPA analytical methods and regulations for drinking water, wastewater, solid/hazardous waste and air; quality control practiced by environmental laboratories and USEPA. Must have analytical inorganic and asbestos and microbiology experience necessary to conduct technical audits. Position requires EPA certification to perform drinking water audits of chemistry laboratories. Should have technical writing skills needed to prepare scientifically accurate audit reports.

Preferred Skill Set
Preference will go to candidates who have knowledge of USEPA analytical methods and regulations for drinking water, wastewater, solid/hazardous waste and air; quality control practiced by environmental laboratories and USEPA. Must have analytical inorganic and asbestos and microbiology experience necessary to conduct technical audits. Position requires EPA certification to perform drinking water audits of chemistry laboratories. Should have technical writing skills needed to prepare scientifically accurate audit reports.

Requirements
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master of Science degree in chemistry or other appropriate physical or environmental science discipline.

EXPERIENCE:
Three (3) years of experience in chemical analysis or chemical research.

NOTE:   A Doctorate in a physical, chemical, or environmental science discipline may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.

OR

EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry or other appropriate physical or environmental science discipline.

EXPERIENCE:
Four (4) years of experience in chemical analysis or research; one (1) year of which must be in the operation of the gas chromatography mass spectrometer, gas chromatograph, high performance liquid chromatograph, fourier transform mass spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrometer, x-ray defractor, transmission electron microscope, or updated replacements thereof.

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.

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.

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*

*Pursuant to the State/Department's policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.

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

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. 

 

DEP Notices of Vacancy have a 4:00 p.m. deadline on the closing date. When filing for these opportunities, please be sure to have your letter of interest and credentials sent electronically before 4 p.m. on the closing date.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to inclusive hiring and a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations under ADA will be provided upon request.