Green Chemistry Scientist II at Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology · Rochester, United States Of America · Onsite
- Professional
- Office in Rochester
Job Responsibilities
- Conduct literature reviews and secondary research on emerging contaminants, safer chemical alternatives, and green chemistry innovations to inform technical assistance projects, regulatory recommendations, and program development. This includes synthesizing peer-reviewed studies, government reports, and industry data to identify trends, summarize current developments in the field, and target opportunities for chemical replacement.
- Support technical assessments and special projects requested by NYSDEC and other stakeholders by contributing scientific expertise in chemistry and chemical analysis, environmental health and safety, and sustainability. This may include evaluating chemical performance, assessing hazards and potential exposure pathways, and identifying safer alternatives or mitigation strategies.
- Collaborate with internal technical staff, external partners, and regulatory agencies to co-develop project scopes, align research with regulatory priorities, and support chemical substitution assessments. This includes participating in interdisciplinary teams to evaluate human health and environmental impacts and develop practical solutions for industry.
- Participate in site visits and stakeholder meetings to gather contextual information, validate research findings, and engage directly with companies, regulators, and community representatives to ensure that technical recommendations are grounded in real-world conditions and stakeholder needs.
- Perform limited laboratory work or analytical testing as needed to support research and validation efforts. This may include basic chemical benchwork, as well as sample preparation, method development, or data interpretation using techniques such as FTIR, GC-MS, or LC-MS, in collaboration with NYSP2I lab staff.
- Contribute to outreach, education, and training efforts by developing educational materials, technical resources, and presentations. Deliver presentations and workshops to share knowledge on green chemistry, safer alternatives, and emerging contaminants with industry, academia, and government audiences.
- Translate complex scientific information into clear, actionable reports, white papers, and presentations tailored to diverse audiences including policymakers, industry professionals, and community stakeholders. Ensure that findings are communicated in a way that supports informed decision-making and regulatory compliance.
College/Division
Golisano Institute for Sustainability
Required Application Documents
Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Employment Category
Fulltime
Additional Details
In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
How To Apply
In order to be considered for this position, you must apply for it at: http://careers.rit.edu/staff. Click the link for search openings and in the keyword search field, enter the title of the position or the BR number.
Wage Band
122A
Required Qualifications
Education/Experience:
- Minimum of three years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of academic training and work experience may also be considered. Related academic training may include such areas as additional graduate degrees or research, administrative, or teaching duties specifically related to chemistry or chemical hazards.
Skills:
- Working knowledge of the principles of green chemistry and their practical applications
- Background in environmental, analytical, or organic chemistry
- Experience with analytical techniques such as FTIR, GC-MS, LC-MS, or CIC
- Familiarity with toxicology, EH&S practices, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., TSCA, REACH, Safer Choice)
- Strong research and technical writing skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to synthesize and communicate scientific information to all audiences
- Knowledge of key NY State and/or national chemistry issues
- The ideal candidate will be a self-directed, strategic thinker
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with NYSDEC programs or environmental policy
- Exposure to sustainability-focused academic curricula or industry practices
- Experience with stakeholder engagement and public communication
- Understanding of toxicology
- Existing network of green chemistry experts and participation in national green chemistry forums
- Record of publications in green chemistry field
- Project management experience including budget and time management
- MS in chemistry preferred
Department/College Description
The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) is a statewide technology development, transfer, and assistance center whose mission is to make New York state more environmentally sustainable for businesses, workers, and the public through more efficient use of raw materials, energy and water, and reductions in toxic chemical use, emissions to the environment and waste generation. NYSP2I is an integrated program of several major elements: direct technical assistance to industry and organizations; research, development, and diffusion; outreach; professional training; a community grants program; and academic educational program development. NYSP2I also focuses on the acceleration of green technologies and greening of the supply chain. NYSP2I is led by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and is a partnership between RIT, Clarkson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Cornell University, Binghamton University and the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).
Shift
A
Work Location
Henrietta Campus — 100%
Job Summary
The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) is seeking a sustainability driven and research-oriented Green Chemist to support our Green Chemistry and Emerging Contaminants Program. This role is ideal for a chemist or environmental scientist with a strong foundation in green chemistry, environmental health and toxicology, and analytical techniques, who is passionate about applying science to sustainability challenges across New York State industries.
