Duties Description The primary purpose of this position is to assist the Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment (BTSA) in characterizing and responding to contamination in environmental media (water, air, soil) associated with accidental chemical releases, fugitive emissions, and other environmental sources. The incumbent will:
- Review and interpret technical environmental investigations, including site characterization reports, risk assessments, sampling and remediation plans, and environmental monitoring data to identify public health impacts and develop recommendations to reduce or prevent exposures.
- Evaluate the potential public health impacts of extreme weather events (wildfires, flooding, heat events) and energy generation and use.
- Develop and implement environmental and indoor air screening and sampling strategies; interpret data to characterize exposure pathways and evaluate public health impacts.
- Be responsible for contributing to a variety of types of written reports including but not limited to scientific summaries, technical reports, and guidance documents in a timely manner.
- Respond to public inquiries orally and in writing.
Minimum Qualifications Assistant Research Scientist, Grade 14: a bachelor’s degree in toxicology, environmental health sciences, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, epidemiology, immunology, industrial hygiene, pharmacology, or a related degree* AND at least one year of post degree professional research experience in the appropriate field. Thirty graduate hours leading to an advanced degree in an appropriate field may be substituted for the required experience.
Research Scientist 1, Grade 18: a bachelor’s degree in toxicology, environmental health sciences, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, epidemiology, immunology, industrial hygiene, or pharmacology, or a related degree*, AND at least two years of relevant post-degree professional research experience in an appropriate field.
Research Scientist 2, Grade 22: a bachelor’s degree in toxicology, environmental health sciences, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, epidemiology, immunology, industrial hygiene, or pharmacology, or a related degree*, AND at least three years of relevant post-degree professional research experience in an appropriate field.
Preferred Qualifications: The preferred candidate will have experience with data management and analysis, demonstrate an ability to evaluate and interpret scientific data, environmental reports, and building blueprints, have knowledge of environmental health, toxicology, exposure assessment, building science, soil vapor intrusion, or the influence of ventilation systems and environmental factors - such as building materials, energy type, and extreme weather, on indoor air quality (IAQ), the environment, and health. Preference will also be given to candidates familiar with IAQ investigations or energy audits of buildings, and those demonstrating strong written and oral communication skills.
Additional Comments When reviewing qualifications, omissions and vagueness cannot be interpreted in the candidate’s favor. Candidates are responsible for providing accurate and clear descriptions of their experience demonstrating how they meet the minimum qualifications.
One full-time, permanent, non-competitive appointment opportunity.
Appointment level maybe made at the Assistant Research Scientist, Research Scientist 1, or Research Scientist 2 level based on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Candidates, when applying, please indicate how you possess a full scope of professional research experience that includes problem definition, planning research approaches, conducting studies, collecting and processing data, and interpreting and reporting findings.
This position may require travel throughout New York State including overnights to areas not served by public transportation.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
- Holiday & Paid Time Off
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
- Shift & Geographic pay differentials
- Affordable Health Care options
- Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
- NYS Deferred Compensation plan
- Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
- And many more...
The NYS Department of Health is committed to making New York a safer, healthier, and more equitable place to live. Understanding health equity, social determinants of health and health disparities is critical to accomplish our goal of eliminating health disparities. For more information on the NYS Department of Health’s Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan, please visit: https://health.ny.gov/commissioner/index.htm
If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact by phone 518-486-1812 or email doh.sm.Reasonable.Accommodation@health.ny.gov to make a request.
The NYS Department of Health does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate of the position (beginning of the salary range). Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations, and negotiated union contracts.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
New York State Department of HealthAlbany, NY$54K - $104K (Employer provided)Research Scientist 2, Grade 22: a bachelor’s degree in toxicology, environmental health sciences, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, epidemiology, immunology,……24h
Los Alamitos USDLos Alamitos, CA$75K - $115K (Employer provided)Strong science, engineering, coding, mathematics and technology skills. Resume, three (3) current letters of recommendation, copy of valid credential(s) or……30d+