Research Associate 2

Louisiana State University; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana State University is seeking a Research Associate 2 to support the Wetland Biogeochemistry Analytical Services (WBAS) lab. The role involves sample intake and tracking, preparation, routine analyses, data entry, and lab maintenance to ensure timely processing of environmental samples for LSU researchers and external clients.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree with hands-on experience in EPA‑compliant analytical techniques, familiarity with SOPs, and proficiency in Microsoft

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred for advanced roles.
• Experience with SOPs and laboratory QA/QC practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Receive environmental samples, verify IDs, forms, preservation, and holding times.
• Perform routine sample prep including drying, grinding, weighing, filtration, digestion, extraction, and preservation.
• Operate analytical instruments (CHN, ICP-OES, TOC, AA) and perform calibrations.
• Maintain lab records, enter data, and assist with QA/QC documentation.
• Prepare stock solutions and calibration standards; assist with lab maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Follow SOPs

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Auto pipettes

CHN/ICP-OES instruments

Job description

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Job Posting Title: Research Associate 2

Position Type: Other Academic

Department: LSUAM CCE - DOCS - Wetland Biogeochemistry (John R White (00008640))

Work Location: 3196 Energy, Coast, and Environment Building

Pay Grade: Other Academic

The Research Associate 2 will support the Wetland Biogeochemistry Analytical Services (WBAS) laboratory by assisting with sample intake, sample preparation, routine analytical procedures, data entry, and laboratory maintenance activities. This position is designed to provide hands‑on experience in environmental analytical techniques while supporting the timely processing of environmental samples submitted by LSU researchers and external clients.

Job Responsibilities:

• Sample Intake and Project Tracking (15%): Receive environmental samples submitted by internal and external clients. Verify sample IDs, chain‑of‑custody forms, preservation requirements, holding times, and sample integrity. Enter project information into laboratory tracking databases and communicate any discrepancies to laboratory management.
• Sample Preparation and Laboratory Analysis (15%): Perform routine sample preparation procedures including drying, grinding, weighing, filtration, digestion, extraction, and preservation according to established SOPs and EPA‑approved methods. Assist with the preparation of environmental samples including water, sediment, soil, plant, and biological materials.
• Instrument Operation (30%): Operate routine analytical instrumentation following training and established SOPs, including elemental analyzers (CHN), ICP‑OES, TOC analyzers, Seal nutrient analyzers (AA500), and other laboratory equipment. Perform routine calibrations and daily startup/shutdown procedures.
• Data Management and Quality Control Documentation (30%): Maintain accurate laboratory records and perform data entry into electronic databases and Excel spreadsheets. Assist with quality assurance and quality control documentation, including calibration logs, laboratory control samples, duplicates, blanks, and standard recoveries. Prepare preliminary data summaries for review by senior laboratory staff.
• Laboratory Maintenance (5%): Prepare stock solutions, calibration standards, and quality control materials.
• Other duties as assigned (5%).

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• One-year related experience
• Familiar with auto pipettes for making calibration standards and quality control standards.
• Familiar with the proper use of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and sulfuric acid for cleaning plastic‑ware and glassware.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs.
• Basic experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Experience in chemical laboratory procedures and using proper SOP protocol for cleaning laboratory materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree
• Experience with environmental sample preparation.
• Experience using analytical instrumentation.
• Familiarity with EPA methods and laboratory QA/QC procedures.

Job Competencies:

• The use of automatic pipettes for making standards.
• Proficient Be able to work with others in a laboratory setting.
• Proficient Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPS.
• Proficient Experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Proficient Know the rules and regulations for dealing with common acids.

Benefits:

• health, life, dental, and vision insurance
• flexible spending accounts
• retirement options
• various leave options
• paid holidays
• wellness benefits
• tuition exemption for qualified positions
• training and development opportunities
• employee discounts
• and more

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre‑employment background check.

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment.

Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

LSU researchers across Louisiana are working on developing a wide‑range of innovations to improve quality of life by studying issues such as disease management, advance medical treatments, obesity, coastal protection, hurricane preparedness, energy, natural resource management and agriculture, among others.

Louisiana’s Flagship University is a land-, sea- and space‑grant institution with academic programs in all areas of science, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences.

The University comprises of nine institutions: Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (“LSU”), the premier flagship university for the state, which include the Paul M. Hebert Law Center and the School of Veterinary Medicine; Louisiana State University at Alexandria; Louisiana State University at Eunice; Louisiana State University at Shreveport; LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans; LSU Health Science Center – Shreveport; The Health Care Services Division; Louisiana State University Agricultural Center; Pennington Biomedical Research Center; and other college, university, school, institution, or program now or hereafter under the supervision and management of the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College.

In implementing its mission, LSU is committed to: Offering a broad array of undergraduate degree programs and extensive graduate research opportunities designed to attract and educate highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students; Employing faculty who are excellent teacher‑scholars, nationally competitive in research and creative activities, and who contribute to a world‑class knowledge base that is transferable to educational, professional, cultural, and economic enterprises; and Using its extensive resources to solve economic, environmental, and social challenges.