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Water Quality Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Boise

Water Quality Lab Analyst I

Boise, ID

$23.77 - $28.22/hr

The Water Quality Lab Analyst I supports the City of Boise's wastewater and utility operations by ... Conducts research and development on new methods. Communicates ongoing corrective actions with ...

City of Boise, ID

Water Quality Lab Analyst I

Boise, ID · On-site

$23.77 - $28.22/hr

The Water Quality Lab Analyst I supports the City of Boise's wastewater and utility operations by ... Conducts research and development on new methods. Communicates ongoing corrective actions with ...

VHB

Water Resources Project Manager

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$120K - $145K/yr

Analyze and interpret water quality, hydrologic, and asset management data to develop clear ... Identify and pursue funding opportunities for stormwater programs, including researching funding ...

VHB

Water Resources Project Manager

Watertown, MA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Analyze and interpret water quality, hydrologic, and asset management data to develop clear ... Identify and pursue funding opportunities for stormwater programs, including researching funding ...

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Water Quality Research information

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How much do water quality research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for water quality research in the United States is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in water quality research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Water Quality Research, you need a solid background in environmental science, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with laboratory analysis techniques, water sampling equipment, and statistical data analysis software like R or MATLAB is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication skills help researchers interpret data and share findings clearly. These competencies are vital for ensuring accurate research outcomes and driving improvements in water safety and environmental policy.

What is the difference between Water Quality Research vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectWater Quality ResearchWater Quality Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related fieldsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Environmental Technology or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, field sampling sitesField sites, treatment plants, laboratories
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental consultanciesMunicipal water utilities, treatment plants, environmental agencies

Water Quality Research involves conducting scientific studies to analyze water quality, develop new testing methods, and interpret data, often requiring advanced degrees. Water Quality Technicians focus on collecting samples, performing routine tests, and maintaining water systems, typically requiring technical certifications. Both roles are essential in ensuring safe water but differ mainly in scope, responsibilities, and work settings.

What is water quality research?

Water quality research is the scientific study of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water to assess its condition and suitability for various uses. Researchers in this field analyze water samples to detect pollutants, monitor changes over time, and identify sources of contamination. Their work supports public health, environmental protection, and the development of regulations and technologies for clean water. Water quality research is essential for ensuring safe drinking water, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and managing water resources sustainably.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in water quality research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Water Quality Research often encounter challenges such as collecting accurate and representative samples from diverse environments, adapting to rapidly changing field conditions, and interpreting complex data sets. Collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams, such as environmental scientists, chemists, and public health officials, is essential to address these challenges effectively. Staying updated with the latest technological advancements in water testing and regulatory standards can also help in overcoming obstacles and ensuring research findings are both reliable and actionable.
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Water Quality Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Quality Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,620 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Post-Doc Research Associate

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Full-time

Medical, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

308th of 615 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Department ESE - Water Institute - 463002 Posting Open Date 07/02/2026 Application Deadline 09/04/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate Vacancy ID PDS004902 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Work Location Chapel Hill, NC Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Proposed Start Date 04/01/2026 Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.
Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Water Institute at UNC was created in 2009 and is hosted within the Gillings School of Public Health (the #1 public school of global public health) in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE). ESE was established over 90- years ago and maintains an outstanding reputation due to the seminal contributions made by ESE research and tenure-track faculty in environmental health sciences. The Water Institute works to create a more water secure world through research, policy and practice and serves as a platform for mobilizing the knowledge, expertise, and resources that exist across UNC to address critical water and sanitation challenges within the U.S and abroad. The Water Institute includes core faculty and staff, researchers, and a network of experts and adjunct/affiliated faculty members that lead and drive research on areas related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, water resources management, and transboundary water. In addition to a robust grant portfolio, Institute staff often engage in high-level international events to drive policy reforms on water and sanitation. It also hosts the world's largest annual international conference on water and health.
Position Summary
The Water Institute is recruiting one post-doctoral researcher interested in leading research and projects related to drinking water quality and safety in the rural United States.
This work may include:
* Design, implementation, and evaluation of field and/or laboratory research.
* Remote and in-person support, training, and/or supervision of field teams on projects.
* Development of training materials related to analysis of water, wastewater, and human biological specimens.
* Data management, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) and analysis, including data from field research, laboratory experiments as well as secondary datasets.
* Preparation of reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts.
* Development and teaching of short courses/trainings related to environmental health microbiology.
* Engagement with national and international organizations and other partners to support the development of normative guidelines for improving drinking water quality.
* Collaboration with researchers, students, staff, and faculty at the Water Institute, in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and in other departments and centers at UNC and beyond.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
The post-doctoral fellow will have received a PhD, DrPH, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree with experience in environmental health, environmental microbiology, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, environmental microbiology, epidemiology, public health, or related fields.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to work independently and with groups, and interested in working on interdisciplinary team science. Valuable background and skills include field and laboratory experience in water quality measurement and environmental epidemiology or risk assessment.
The ideal candidate will also have experience designing, conducting, analyzing, and publishing research, and will have publications in relevant environmental, environmental health, or global health journals.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
-Sampling
-Analysis of microbes via PCR, dPCR, qPCR, culture, and/or metagenomics
-Data analysis including bioinformatics
-Modelling
-Academic writing and communication of results to peers
-Candidate should have education and/or experience corresponding to mathematics through differential equations, a microbiology background including environmental microbiology, and experience with quantitative analysis of environmental and/or human health data.
The successful candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills and a record of publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals. Strong proficiency in laboratory techniques and outstanding communication skills are essential for this position.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
None
Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/321715
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Kimberly Brunson, HR Consultant Department Contact Telephone or Email kbrunson@unc.ed Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.
Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789

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