Title: Research Technician

Department Org: Environmental Sciences - 101250

Employee Classification: U1 - Unclassified PSA FT

Bargaining Unit: Professional Staff Association

Primary Location: MC AC

Shift:  1

Start Time:     End Time:  

Posted Salary: $45,000 to $55,000

Job Description:

The Department of Environmental Sciences, at the University of Toledo, OH seeks a wetland research analytical specialist who will lead field site setup and maintenance for a large multi-institution project studying hydrological and redox controls on biogeochemical transformations within coastal terrestrial and aquatic interfaces (TAIs). Coastal TAIs are complex systems characterized by a high degree of spatial and temporal heterogeneity in biogeochemical cycling often described as hot spots and hot moments. Much of the complexity is due to plant-microbe interactions that mediate the soil redox environment. The focus of this research is to advance our process-level understanding of plant-water-microbe interactions that generate spatiotemporal variation across upland-to-wetland gradients. This position is part of the DOE funded project – Coastal Observation, Mechanism, and Predictions Across Systems and Scales - Field Measurements and Experiments (COMPASS-FME). This large project is led by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in collaboration with multiple partners, including the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) and Argonne National Lab. The COMPASS - FME project aims to understand the coupled interactions of plants, microbes, soils/sediments, and hydrology within coastal systems to inform multi- scale, integrated models from reaction scales to the coastal interface. The project’s research emphasis is primarily on terrestrial and wetland processes that are influenced by coastal waters, such as the fluxes and transformations of carbon, nutrients, and redox elements through these systems. This project includes several national labs, and research institutions in the W. Basin of Lake Erie and Chesapeake Bay, affording the successful candidate the opportunity for exciting and diverse collaborations. There will be opportunities for close collaboration with project partners and scientists at PNNL, LNLL, Heidelberg University and The University of Toledo.
This analytical specialist will be based at U. Toledo and will provide leadership on setting up and maintaining analytical equipment for determining the concentrations of nutrients and other mineral and organic solutes in samples collected from the COMPASS Lake Erie research sites. Analytical infrastructure includes a range of equipment, including but not limited to Continuous flow analyzers, Discrete analyzers, Ion chromatographs, and Total carbon and nitrogen analyzers. They will also check, maintain, and archive analytical data, and work with the COMPASS research team to assist with data review and archiving. There will also be opportunities for the incumbent to analyze and publish project datasets, but this is not required. Contact Professor Michael Weintraub, Michael.weintraub@utoledo.edu, with questions or for more information about this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

A minimum of Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, chemistry, engineering, or related discipline; Master’s degree or higher preferred
• Willingness and ability to engage in intensive laboratory research activities including spending significant time operating and maintaining equipment, etc.
• Previous work with Pacific Northwest National Lab or another National Lab or DOE funded project is preferred
• Experience with chemical analyses of soil, water, and/or sediments preferred
• Experience with instruments used to measure concentrations of nutrients and other mineral and organic solutes, including:
o Continuous flow analyzers
o Discrete analyzers
o Ion chromatographs
o Total carbon and nitrogen analyzers
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Experience with R preferred
• Commitment to a safe and inclusive working environment required

Preferred Qualifications:

Effective communication skills (oral and written)
• Ability and desire to collaborate with a large multi-institutional collaborative team
• Ability to work without close supervision and to make decisions concerning weather conditions and other logistical factors
• Ability to work closely with students, faculty and other staff to maintain research efficiency of the project.
The University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution, consistent with its obligations as a federal contractor. It encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. It is committed to protecting the constitutional and statutory civil rights of persons connected with the University. dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, dual-career professionals and covered veterans.

Conditions of Employment:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Toledo is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Toledo does not discriminate in employment, educational programs, or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, disability, familial status, or political affiliation. 

The University is dedicated to attracting and retaining the best and brightest talent and fostering a culture of respect.

The University of Toledo provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to complete this application, or for testing or interviewing, please contact HR Compliance at hrcompliance@utoledo.edu or 419-530-4747 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or apply online for an accommodation request. 

Computer access is available at most public libraries and at the Office of Human Resources located in the Center for Administrative Support on the UToledo Main Campus.