Field and Lab Technician

Bowling Green State University; Bowling Green (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowling Green State University is seeking a Field and Lab Technician to support research projects through field deployment of equipment, sample collection, and routine maintenance of chemistry labs. Responsibilities include sample preparation, wet chemistry for soil and water, and data management.

The role involves training students, maintaining instruments, and ensuring SOP/QAP compliance, with opportunities to contribute to outreach and special projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least 1 year of research experience.
• Must have valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Maintain sample integrity and login/chain of custody for lab samples.
• Perform analyses following SOP/QAP requirements.
• Ensure laboratory instrumentation is functioning properly.
• Maintain laboratory databases and assist weekly sampling prep.
• Oversee and train graduate and undergraduate student workers in the lab.
• Update procedures or equipment as needed.
• Assist with field deployment and data collection for water/soil samples.
• Train and supervise students in lab and field settings.

Skills

Field work

Laboratory duties

Data management

Training others

SOP/QAP compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Exosondes

AA300/400

Isco autosamplers

Field sensors

Job description

The Field and Lab Technician position would assist in research projects including field work to deploy equipment, collect water and/or soil samples, retrieve equipment, and perform routine maintenance. Laboratory duties will include preparation and proper storage of samples, wet chemistry for soil and water samples, and use of analysis equipment. More specifically, this position will include tasks needed to ensure smooth operation of the field operations and chemistry laboratory, such as assistance with sample collection, field station maintenance, sample preparation, specific analyses following all Standard Operating Procedures, and data management. This technician will assist with maintaining and troubleshooting analytical equipment, preparation of standards and reagents, and oversee graduate students and undergraduate student interns. Ideally, this technician will have experience analyzing water samples for nutrient chemistry and maintaining laboratory instrumentation.

Laboratory Analysis

• Maintain sample integrity from sample collection, sample receiving, login, chain of custody, and sample preparation for all samples processed in the lab
• Conduct specific analyses following all Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) requirements for completed analysis
• Ensure that all laboratory instrumentation and equipment is functioning properly
• Maintain laboratory database systems in collaboration with other lab members; prepare for upcoming sampling on a weekly basis
• Help with special projects when the opportunity arises
• Incorporate updates to laboratory procedures or equipment as needed
• Oversee and train new graduate students and undergraduate student workers in the chemistry laboratory

Field Work

• Deploy field sensors either by wading or hiking into remote areas, or by boat
• Collect and record water and/or soil samples
• Analyze the samples using, but not limited to, field deployable sondes, fluoroprobes, etc.
• Properly maintain field sensors and lab equipment and keep areas organized, clean, and follow lab safety rules

Education and Outreach

• Train and supervise students in the lab and field settings
• Assist students with research projects as needed

Other duties as assigned

The following Degree is required

• Bachelor's Degree

The following Experience is required

• 1 year of research experience

The following Licensure is required

• Must have valid driver’s license

Preferred experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field
• 2 years prior experience with field research that includes wetland monitoring, water quality sampling, soil sampling, and remote sensing
• Training on calibration and maintenance of lab and field equipment, including Exosondes, AA300/400, and Isco autosamplers
• Familiarity with EPA water and soil testing SOPs
• Experience with acid digestion protocols for TP and TN assays
• Experience completing tasks on boats and working in wetlands/ wading in water with equipment

Knowledge skills and Abilities

• Must be able to lift 25+ pounds and carry field equipment into and out of potentially rough terrain.
• Experience with laboratory tools and equipment used for the preparation and analysis of water samples, specifically for nutrient analysis (e.g. autoclave, pipettes, digestion blocks, balances, etc.), as well as field sampling equipment (e.g. automated water samplers, handheld water quality sensors, soil cores, etc.)
• Knowledge of operation and use of various office equipment including, but not limited to: personal computer, including spreadsheet and word processing software, integrated database software, fax machine, copier, telephone, scanner, and printers

Essential Requirement: Work Authorization

BGSU does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.