Laboratory Technician

Title: Laboratory Technician

Employee Classification: Non-Pos Hourly Posting Code

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science

Department: UNT-Institute for Applied Sciences-125000

Job Location: Denton

Salary: $30.00/ hour

FTE: 0.000000

Retirement Eligibility: Not Retirement Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

Modern biology encompasses the study of all aspects of living systems, from the molecular basis of genetic inheritance to the interactions between organisms and the environment. The Advanced Environmental Research Institute's (AERI) mission is to advance knowledge of human and environmental relationships through multidisciplinary research and outreach. As educators, researchers, and policy advisors, we work collaboratively to address escalating local, regional, and global challenges. As an Institute of Research Excellence at the University of North Texas, a minority-serving Tier One university, AERI is dedicated to increasing our positive impact on the environment and society.

Position Overview

This is a 5-month part-time position affiliated with the Dept of Biological Sciences and the Advanced Environmental Research Institute (AERI) at the University of North Texas (Denton, Texas, USA). This appointment is research-based (80%) with the expectation to educate laboratory users on specific instruments and field techniques (20%). The research will be focused on marine dissolved organic matter composition and character analysis using total organic and inorganic carbon concentration analyzers and absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy. This position requires laboratory and computer work and mentoring other laboratory group members. It may extend to writing manuscripts for publication and participation in proposal writing and giving presentations. The position will be based at the University of North Texas, under the supervision of Dr. Juliana D’Andrilli, and cannot be conducted remotely. Experience operating absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy instruments is not required, but understanding concepts and experience working with their data are required. Experience with computer coding, data management, and data analyses using one or more programming languages is required. It is possible for this position to extend to field work in coastal ecosystems surrounding the U.S.

Minimum Qualifications

Must hold a B.S. in a relevant discipline:

B.S. in Chemistry, Ecology, Environmental Science, Aquatic Biogeochemistry, or closely related field
-Research experience in aquatic biogeochemistry and dissolved organic matter analyses/carbon characterization

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to conduct experiments both independently and collaboratively as needed.
Extensive knowledge of absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy concepts, data, and complex data management tools
Developing a record of mentorship and contributions to scientific products

Preferred Qualifications

Research experience in operating a total organic carbon analyzer instrument

Research experience in operating absorbance and fluorescence instruments

Research experience working with absorbance, fluorescence, and multivariate statistical data

Excellent organizational skills

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Driver's License

Job Duties

• Organize laboratory gear
• Operate MQ water purification unit, muffle furnaces, TOC analyzer, absorbance spectrophotometer, and fluorescence spectrofluorometer 
• Clean glassware 
• Mentor/train other instrument users
• Organize data 
• Perform data analyses 

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Operating machinery and/or power tools.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Environmental Hazards

• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles.
• Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Work Schedule

Varies

Driving University Vehicle

Yes

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. This position is in the Dept. - Biological Sciences/AERI with an office in EESAT and access to a lab in the Environmental Science Building. It does not allow remote work.

Science Categories - Chemistry, Ecology, Environmental Science, Analytical Chemistry, Biogeochemistry, Aquatic Ecology

Resume/CV, cover letter, unofficial transcript/list of courses taken, and contact information for two references.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.