Research Lab Technician

The primary responsibilities will be to operate and maintain laboratory equipment within the soils laboratories at the Department of Plant and Soil Science. Plan, organize, facilitate, and implement operating procedures for conducting multi-unit collaborative research with the PSS soils groups. Order supplies, schedule equipment maintenance, and implement operational procedures. Perform highly skilled analytical duties in the coordination and completion of projects in a research lab or program.

May supervise subordinate employees.

• Operate, maintain, and train users on laboratory equipment within the soils laboratories at the Department of Plant and Soil Science.
• Plan, organize, and implement operating procedures for conducting multi-unit collaborative research with the PSS soils groups.
• Order supplies, scheduling equipment maintenance, and implementing operational procedures for conducting multi-unit collaborative research within the soils groups.
• Develop safety protocols and supervise undergraduate students and researchers across different soils groups to implement experiments.
• Engage and organize research, sample, and data collection as required, working alongside students, post docs and visiting scholars.

This position may require the individual to work outside in inclement weather, including hot summer days and cold winter days.

This position has an expected start date of September 1, 2026.

• Bachelor's degree and two years experience; or a combination of education and/or related experience to equal six years.

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry/engineering, toxicology, soil science, natural resources or environmental sciences, geoscience and/or equivalent work experience by start date.
• Prior laboratory experience through work or education.
• Master’s degree with experience in soil chemistry, soil microbiology, soil physics, and/or pedology.
• Candidates with previous laboratory experience in dealing with analytical laboratory maintenance and operation, including ICP-OES/MS, XRF, GC, IC, CNS analysis, and determination of hydro-physical properties.
• Experience conducting fieldwork including experience with gas flux measurements, soil sampling, soil descriptions, infiltrometry, and/or sensor deployment/maintenance.
• Evidence of ability to independently maintain equipment in different laboratories and ability to manage, plan, execute, operate and supervise minor fixes to equipment to ensure successful implementation of research objectives.
• Evidence of proven data analysis skills (e.g., trouble shooting), data maintenance, and data management.
• Self-motivated, with excellent written and oral communication skills, management and organization skills, and the ability to work both individually and with a multi-faceted team of fellow researchers, while maintaining positive and effective work relationships.