Research Scientist

Applying electronically via CalCareers is highly recommended. If submitting a hardcopy application (mail/drop-off), please send an email to Essam.Gad@arb.ca.gov to confirm submission.
 

The Research Division of the California Air Resources Board is looking for an enthusiastic, personable, and technically inclined research scientist to design and lead research projects that improve our understanding of the atmospheric processes and sources of air pollution that drive regional air quality in the San Joaquin Valley and the South Coast, among other parts of the state. The candidate must be motivated to use in-house measurement tools (e.g., mobile platforms, PTR-MS, ACSM, CRDS) to study air pollutant sources at or near population centers and evaluate air quality disparities between various regions. Duties include stakeholder engagement; report writing; presentations to technical and non-technical stakeholders; and fieldwork.

Under direction of an Air Resources Supervisor I, the successful candidate will work in the Atmospheric Processes Research Section with a similarly capable team of experts with breadths of experiences not limited to data analytics, ambient air monitoring, computer programming, air pollution-related modeling, fabrication, and communication. The section collectively supports the development of the State Implementation Plans (SIPs), evaluates the short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) emission reduction strategies, improves the characterization of various air pollutant emission sources, and takes preemptive steps to study the effects of climate change on California’s air quality. The section also leads specialized projects by deploying multiple mobile platforms to understand local air quality challenges throughout California.

This position is for you if you want to use your scientific knowledge and creativity to solve complex air pollution challenges in a team environment!

The most competitive candidate will have fluency in atmospheric chemistry, environmental science, and ambient air monitoring; knowledge of various sources that emit volatile organic compounds and metals; experiences in database development; demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills; intuitive understanding of quality assessment and quality control techniques; data processing using computer programming languages (e.g., Python); expertise in GIS and source apportionment (e.g., Positive Matrix Factorization [PMF] models); experiences using mobile platforms to collect ambient data; ability to operate Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitors (ACSM), Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS), Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometers (CRDS), Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), among other air monitoring equipment; knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations related to air quality; understanding of the interconnect between air quality and climate change; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both verbal and written forms; strong visual communication skills; experiences in writing technical and non-technical documents; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to independently complete tasks; works well in teams; excellent attention to details; and safe driving records. The candidate must use special safety equipment as needed.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for hybrid in-office work and in-state telework. The amount of telework is at the agency's discretion and is based on the California Air Resource Boards' (CARB) current telework policy. While the CARB may support telework, some in-person attendance is also required. 

The positions at the CARB may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria outlined in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of hybrid telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location at their own expense, as indicated on their duty statement.

• Position located in a high-rise building.
• Requires being stationary, consistent with office work, for extended periods.
• Standard office environment (artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.).  
• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.
• Driving long distance using state vehicle fleet, operating out of an equipment warehouse.