Laboratory Assistant II

University of Mississippi; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Mississippi’s Biology Department seeks a Lab/Field Technician to support the Freshwater Ecology Research Lab. Responsibilities include preparing media, performing routine water analyses, maintaining equipment, and assisting with both field and outdoor mesocosm experiments.

Qualified candidates have a High School diploma; 4 years of relevant experience; and a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related science.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required.
• Relevant experience of 4 years required.
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related science preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide lab and field support for Dr. Jason Taylor's Freshwater Ecology Research Lab.
• Assist researchers with setting up methods for measuring gas fluxes related to carbon and nitrogen cycling in lakes and streams.
• Run routine water quality analyses in the lab.
• Proficiency in making reagents and basic laboratory tasks is required.
• Conduct fieldwork and collect water samples in freshwater environments including lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
• Prepare basic to moderately complex media, cultures, formulas or specimens under limited supervision.
• Perform data collection including water and biological sampling from natural lakes, rivers and wetlands and outdoor mesocosms.
• Assist with setup, maintenance and sampling of large-scale outdoor mesocosm experiments.
• Calibrate, deploy and download environmental sensors at field and experimental sites.
• Analyze water samples for nutrients using a SEAL analyzer and for dissolved gas concentrations using MIMS.
• Analyze chlorophyll a with a PAM fluorometer.
• Process gas samples for dissolved CO2, CH4, and N2O using headspace methods.
• Assist with field greenhouse gas flux measurements using a Licor Smart Chamber.

Skills

Laboratory support

Data collection

Fieldwork

Equipment maintenance

Sample preparation

Education

High School (Required)

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related science

Tools

SEAL nutrient autoanalyzer

Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometer (MIMS)

Pulsed-Amplitude Modulated fluorometer (PAM)

Job description

The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential. Join the Ole Miss Family — Build Your Legacy Here! Department: Biology

Job Summary

Performs moderately complex technical support, general lab maintenance, and lab operational support with some degree of independence to aid in research projects.

Job Description

Prepares basic to moderately complex media, cultures, formulas, or specimens according to established protocols and procedures under limited supervision. Performs basic to moderately complex data collection to support laboratory research. Inspects, prepares, cleans and maintains equipment, supplies and facility spaces according to established protocols and standards. Tracks supply and equipment inventory levels, places replenishment orders, and maintains funding information. May support scheduling and screening of participants and/or and document and monitor results according to established research requirements and specifications for human subject research.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide laboratory and field support to Dr. Jason Taylor's Freshwater Ecology Research Lab.
• Assist other lab researchers (postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students) in setting up methods for measuring various gas fluxes related to carbon and nitrogen cycling pathways in lakes and streams.
• Run routine water quality analyses in the lab.
• Proficiency in making reagents and other basic laboratory tasks is required for this position.
• Conduct fieldwork and collect water samples in and around freshwater environments, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
• Prepares basic to moderately complex media, cultures, formulas, or specimens according to established protocols and procedures under limited supervision.
• Performs basic to moderately complex data collection including water and biological sampling from natural lakes, rivers and wetlands, as well as experimental outdoor mesocosms to support laboratory research.
• Assists in the set-up, maintenance, and sampling of large-scale outdoor mesocosm experiments.
• Calibrates, deploys, and downloads environmental sensors at field and experimental sites according to established protocols and standards.
• Analyzes water samples for dissolved and total nutrient concentrations using a SEAL nutrient autoanalyzer according to established protocols and standards.
• Analyzes water samples for dissolved gas concentrations using a Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometers (MIMS) according to established protocols and standards.
• Analyzes water samples for chlorophyll a using a Pulsed-Amplitude Modulated (PAM) fluorometer according to established protocols and standards.
• Processing gas samples for dissolved CO2, CH4, and N2O concentrations using the headspace-equilibrium method according to established protocols and standards.
• Assists with field GHG flux measurements using a Licor Smart Chamber and Analyzers.
• Inspects, prepares, cleans and maintains equipment, supplies and facility spaces according to established protocols and standards.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related science discipline.

Education Qualifications

High School (Required)

Experience

Relevant experience | 4 Years | Required

Compensation

$20.50 - $30.76

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons.

The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

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