Research Program Manager-PFAS

The Discovery Sciences team at RTI International has been involved in conducting a broad array of natural sciences research for more than 30 years. Discovery Sciences has an experienced team of scientists and is well equipped with advanced instrumentation and infrastructure for chemical analyses, including:

• High-throughput screening
• Measurements of contaminants in environmental media
• Analytical method development
• Chemical characterization
• Dose formulation development, validation, and dose analysis
• Bioanalytical method development, validation, and analysis
• Stability measurements
• Pharmacokinetic studies
• In vitro studies
• Targeted and non-targeted assays
• Metabolomics and proteomics research

Our focus on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) research aims to address one of the most pressing environmental health issues of our time. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced analytical chemist to serve as PFAS Program Manager to build and lead a portfolio of government-funded and private sector research projects focused on identifying and quantitating these substances in a variety of media.

You will oversee the planning, execution, and dissemination of research findings, ensuring compliance with funding sponsor requirements and alignment with our organization's mission and goals. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with colleagues working on the development of PFAS remediation technologies, custom synthesized fluorinated compounds, environmental monitoring programs, bioanalytical measurements, proficiency testing programs, and total organic fluorine measurements.

Project Management:

• Lead multiple PFAS research projects funded by state and federal agencies and industry, communicating regularly with clients.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures, work instructions, training documents, and other project- and program-specific quality documents, as needed.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.

Team Leadership:

• Build and lead a multidisciplinary research team, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Develop and support a team quality culture that ensures PFAS data of known and documented quality.
• Identify staff and product certifications, laboratory accreditations, and licenses needed to support PFAS program development.

Research Development:

• Design and implement robust research methodologies to investigate PFAS contamination, exposure, and mitigation.
• Stay current with the latest scientific advancements in PFAS research and integrate relevant findings into ongoing projects.

Proposal Management:

• Prepare and submit proposals to secure government and private sector funding for PFAS research.
• Collaborate on submission of large multidisciplinary bids for research funding.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Oversee the collection, analysis, quality, and interpretation of research data.
• Prepare and disseminate research findings through technical project reports, publications, presentations, and conferences.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with government agencies, academic institutions, RTI and other technical collaborators, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
• Communicate research progress and outcomes to stakeholders and the public effectively.

To be successful in this role you will possess:

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and research methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a research team.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• A track record of successful collaborations.

• PhD. in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Toxicology, or a related field.
• 10 years of experience managing scientific research projects, preferably in the environmental or public health sectors.
• Demonstrated experience and stature with PFAS research and government-funded projects.
• Demonstrated experience with grant writing and/or securing government funding.
• A demonstrated track record of published research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated familiarity with regulatory frameworks and policies related to PFAS.

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.