NIWC - Undergraduate III - Evaluation of PFAS adsorbents and Water Analytical Chemistry Analytical Support (Task No. 71-292510)

Overview

The hourly rate for this position $19.28 for Undergraduate III and is non-negotiable.

This position is open until filled

Under direction, incumbents must have course work in the discipline requested on the task order Statement of Work.

This Statement of Work encompasses the need for the student services to provide technical and/or analytical support in the fields of Chemistry, and Environmental Science towards evaluating various adsorbent materials for remediation of PF AS-impacted water. The purpose of this task is to I) provide laboratory support for shakedown testing of the NIWC-developed sorbent onsite testing apparatus (SOT A), 2) to assist in field testing of SOT A at Southern California naval bases, and 3) to support analytical chemistry analyses of PFAS water samples, following required QA/QC procedures.

This proposed effort fulfills two major DoD needs: the FY24 DoD ESTCP Environmental Restoration pillar called for proposals to demonstrate novel technologies that can reduce the cost to complete at PF AS impacted sites by optimizing treatment, while the 2022 SERDP/ESCTP Summary Report from the Strategic Workshop on Management of PF AS in the Environment called for the need to test novel sorbents at the field scale. This project will improve on the first version of the portable Sorbent Onsite Testing Apparatus (SOT A) which allows rapid and inexpensive on-site testing of sorbents. This tasks includes support in the shakedown testing of the optimized unit, support in the field demonstration of the optimized unit, and assisting in the analytical chemistry analysis of the PFAS water samples collected using SOTA.

These tasks will be conducted at NIWC Pacific in San Diego, CA. The student(s) shall be involved in the preparation, performance and data analysis of all tasks.

Responsibilities

The student contractor shall provide analytical and technical support in the following areas as specified under individual task orders, to the work sponsor.

• Evaluating the performance of SOT A under a variety of conditions
• Assisting in field deployments of the unit
• Assisting in the preparation and analysis of groundwater samples for PF AS using LC/MS following EPA Method 1633
• Maintaining laboratory facilities (e.g. washing glassware, calibration and maintenance of water quality meters)
• Conducting relevant literature searches pertaining to the studies and participating in report preparation
• Submit Monthly Status Reports and Bi-Weekly Time Reports in accordance with the base contract.

Qualifications

Undergraduate Student 3: Must have course work in the discipline requested on the task order Statement of Work. The student must be at the Senior level and have experience in 100% of the task requirements and be able to accomplish 90% of the work independently.

Minimum Qualifications Requirements:

• Area of Study: Majoring in Chemistry or Environmental Science, or adjacent fields (Sophomore or higher).Course Work:• Organic Chemistry• Environmental Science• Statistics

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expertise with MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and common statistical software.
• Interest and/or experience with designing environmental sampling equipment.
• Mechanical engineering knowledge sufficient to troubleshoot issues with equipment in lab or field
• Desire person with strong work ethic, detail oriented, and good communication skills
• Student available to work 20 hours per week preferred.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• This position will require the employee to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance
• Due to the regulations established by the Department of Defense, only US Citizens may qualify
• This is a student position and is limited to working 20 hours per week
• This position will remain open until filled
• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.