Crop and Environmental Quality Lab Manager

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The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb).

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience

This is an advanced laboratory technician position that will serve as the primary analyst for the Crop Quality section of the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratory (AESL). Responsibilities consist of sample preparation (e.g. fruits, vegetables, edible oils, plant tissues, drinking water, etc.) and analysis using various analytical methods, including high‑pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), UV spectrophotometers, and inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometer (ICP) while ensuring all quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) criteria are met.

Position will work with senior laboratory personnel to develop new analysis procedures and provide support for ongoing and future research projects, along with serving as a point of contact, communicating with clients regarding services offered and the sample submission process. General laboratory duties include the inventory of supplies, maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment, and performing other related tasks. Additionally, this position will provide occasional support for field sampling and outreach activities.

• Highly detail-oriented, organized, and willing to work as part of a team, as this position will need to keep track of multiple samples, projects, and people.
• Strong laboratory background with experience developing and following detailed SOPs. Significant practice operating analytical laboratory instruments, and a detailed understanding of laboratory QA/QC practices.
• Willingness and ability to maintain analytical equipment and troubleshoot issues as they arise during analysis.
• Basic software knowledge (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) along with a willingness to learn new computer software.
• Ability to plan/prioritize tasks and operate independently.

• Periodically working in adverse weather conditions during field sampling
• Driving as needed to perform job tasks
• Lift up to 50lbs

• Serve as the primary analyst conducting chemical analysis of agricultural and environmental samples for the Crop Quality section following established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and QA/QC protocols.
• Logging-in samples, making solutions, chemical and mechanical extractions, sample preparation, analyzing samples using analytical equipment (HPLC, GC, spectrophotometer, and ICP), data entry, report generation, and troubleshooting equipment.
• Preparation of manuscripts, proposals, research reports, lab promotional materials, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Implementation of established quality assurance program.
• Partner with senior laboratory personnel to provide logistical and technical support for ongoing and future research projects administered by AESL, including occasional field sample collection.
• Fruit and vegetable harvest, collecting soil plant tissue samples, and establishing and maintaining field plots.
• Support the daily operation of the laboratory including purchasing supplies, maintaining equipment and managing chemical inventories.
• Communicate with existing and potential clients about the services offered by the Crop Quality Laboratory and how to properly submit samples for analysis. Provide training and supervision to graduate students, temporary employees, and student workers on sample preparation and analysis procedures.
• Provide backup support for analysts in other areas of the laboratory in their absence. Other duties as assigned.