Postdoc in Polymer Environmental Toxicology & Risk Assessment

 

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors 

 

Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati

 

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu. 

 

 

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service.  We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success. 

 

 

Job Overview

The P&G Digital Accelerator@UC is seeking a PhD environmental scientist or biologist for a 24-month post-doctoral position. Building upon the foundational work of the CEFIC LRI eco46 polymer research program, the successful candidate will lead the design and execution of innovative experiments to evaluate the environmental hazard of water-soluble polymers.

Essential Functions

• Biological hazard assessment: Lead the design and laboratory execution of experiments to characterize the effects of water-soluble polymers on aquatic organisms under environmentally relevant conditions.
• Experimental Innovation: Develop and refine testing strategies that account for complex polymer behaviors (e.g., sorption, bioavailability, and physical effects) in "wet lab" environments.
• Data Synthesis: Perform advanced data analysis and statistical modeling to interpret complex dose-response relationships and integrate findings into environmental risk assessment frameworks.
• Collaborative Research: Work within a multi-functional team of toxicologists, chemists, and regulatory experts to translate experimental data into environmental safety models.

 

Required Education

PhD Degree in environmental science including environmental toxicology, environmental risk assessment biology, or closely related life science fields.

Required Experience

• Capable of independently designing and executing experiments, data interpretation, and identifying appropriate follow-up strategies.
• Strong experimental design and troubleshooting skills.
• Solid understanding of chemical phys/chem properties.
• Engage in trainings that is needed for job performance such as safety, data analysis and quality control.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Strong “wet lab” skills, hands-on laboratory experience with standard environmental science model organisms (e.g., Daphnia).
• Experience with standard regulatory environmental hazard methods will be preferred (e.g., OECD/EPA/ISO methods for algae, invertebrates, fish alternative approaches).
• Demonstrated attention to detail is critical.  Must be able to critically evaluate complex data sets and apply new approaches to solve complex environmental testing questions.
• The individual must be a team player with a “Roll up your sleeves” attitude and able to partner with a multi-functional team to define and execute against experimental requirements.
• Excellent adaptability and flexibility, and most importantly excellent learning capabilities with open mindset.

 

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

 

Compensation and Benefits

 

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:

 

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

 

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

 

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

 

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

 

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our Careers Page.

 

UC is an E-Verify employer.  If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. Click here for a list of acceptable documents.  

 

Important: To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal. We are unable to consider “easy apply” applications submitted via other websites. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact UC HR at jobs@uc.edu.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer.  Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

 

REQ: 102559