NJ Department of Environmental Protection
F&W-2026-5 Research Scientist 3 (REPOST)
Oxford, NJ - Full Time
Open to: General Public
Work Week: NL (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P25) $77,143.55 - $113,263.75
Opening Date: 9/24/2026
Closing Date: 10/15/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Fish and Wildlife
Office of Fish & Wildlife Health and Forensics
605 Pequest Road
Oxford, NJ 07863
Scope of Eligibility
Open to individuals who meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the direction of a Research Scientist 1 or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, conducts or participates in research projects or developed programs in a specified professional field; does other related work.
Specific to the Position
Selected candidate will oversee data collection and analysis of fish and wildlife samples; develop research studies to determine the effects of PFAS on fish and wildlife species, particularly species of concern; collaborate with universities, non-profit organizations, and state and federal agencies; conduct general surveillance; conduct literature reviews; and draft reports. Participation in field sampling should be expected.
Preferred Skill Set
Experience in maintaining a diagnostic and/or research laboratory including proper handling and use of related scientific equipment. Knowledge or familiarity with contemporary laboratory methodologies including analytical chemistry and molecular research methodologies. The ability to design field surveys and apply statistical models to interpret laboratory results including collaboration with research teams to ensure data integrity. An interest in fish and wildlife disease and the histological preparation of tissues for diagnosis and research is also preferred.
Requirements
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the position.
EXPERIENCE:
Two (2) years of experience in a field appropriate to the position.
NOTE: A Doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the position may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.
NOTE: All U.S. degrees and transcripts must be from an accredited college or university. All foreign degrees and transcripts must be evaluated for accreditation by a recognized evaluation service by the closing date of this posting. Failure to provide documentation may result in ineligibility.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Employee Benefits
As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
SAME Applicants
If you are applying under the NJ SAME program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter) must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME program, please email [email protected], or call CSC at (609) 292-4144 and select Option #3.
Veteran's Preference
To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated. For more information, please visit https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-service-preference/
Residency
All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act”.
Authorization to Work
Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations. NOTE: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of New Jersey seeks to increase the richness and diversity of its workforce, and in doing so, become the employer of choice for all people seeking to work in State Government. To evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts to attract and employ a diverse workforce, applicants are asked to voluntarily answer a few brief questions on the NJ Affirmative Action Information Form. All information is considered confidential and will be filed separately with the agency's affirmative action officer. This information will not be part of your application for employment and will not be considered in any hiring decision.
Work Week: NL (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P25) $77,143.55 - $113,263.75
Opening Date: 9/24/2026
Closing Date: 10/15/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Fish and Wildlife
Office of Fish & Wildlife Health and Forensics
605 Pequest Road
Oxford, NJ 07863
Scope of Eligibility
Open to individuals who meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the direction of a Research Scientist 1 or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, conducts or participates in research projects or developed programs in a specified professional field; does other related work.
Specific to the Position
Selected candidate will oversee data collection and analysis of fish and wildlife samples; develop research studies to determine the effects of PFAS on fish and wildlife species, particularly species of concern; collaborate with universities, non-profit organizations, and state and federal agencies; conduct general surveillance; conduct literature reviews; and draft reports. Participation in field sampling should be expected.
Preferred Skill Set
Experience in maintaining a diagnostic and/or research laboratory including proper handling and use of related scientific equipment. Knowledge or familiarity with contemporary laboratory methodologies including analytical chemistry and molecular research methodologies. The ability to design field surveys and apply statistical models to interpret laboratory results including collaboration with research teams to ensure data integrity. An interest in fish and wildlife disease and the histological preparation of tissues for diagnosis and research is also preferred.
Requirements
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the position.
EXPERIENCE:
Two (2) years of experience in a field appropriate to the position.
NOTE: A Doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the position may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.
NOTE: All U.S. degrees and transcripts must be from an accredited college or university. All foreign degrees and transcripts must be evaluated for accreditation by a recognized evaluation service by the closing date of this posting. Failure to provide documentation may result in ineligibility.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Employee Benefits
As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Paid Benefit Leave
- Holiday Pay
- Alternative Workweek Program*
- Telework*
- Pension
- Deferred Compensation
- Health Benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life Insurance
- Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
- Commuter Tax Savings Program
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Tuition Reimbursement*
SAME Applicants
If you are applying under the NJ SAME program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter) must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME program, please email [email protected], or call CSC at (609) 292-4144 and select Option #3.
Veteran's Preference
To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated. For more information, please visit https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-service-preference/
Residency
All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act”.
Authorization to Work
Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations. NOTE: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of New Jersey seeks to increase the richness and diversity of its workforce, and in doing so, become the employer of choice for all people seeking to work in State Government. To evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts to attract and employ a diverse workforce, applicants are asked to voluntarily answer a few brief questions on the NJ Affirmative Action Information Form. All information is considered confidential and will be filed separately with the agency's affirmative action officer. This information will not be part of your application for employment and will not be considered in any hiring decision.
DEP Notices of Vacancy have a 4:00 p.m. deadline on the closing date. When filing for these opportunities, please be sure to have your letter of interest and credentials sent electronically before 4 p.m. on the closing date.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to inclusive hiring and a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations under ADA will be provided upon request.
