Job Details

Research Lab Technician

Position Number: 7228932
Location: Lubbock, TX
Position Type: Agriculture - Plant and Soil Science

Research Lab Technician
Lubbock
44993BR
Plant and Soil Science

Position Description
Performs highly skilled mechanical and/or analytical duties lead position in the coordination and completion of projects in a research lab or program. May supervises subordinate employees. Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all employees.

About the University
Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas - hard work, grit and authenticity - the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.

About the Department and/or College
Davis College includes the departments of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Education and Communications, Animal and Food Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resources Management, Plant and Soil Science, and Veterinary Sciences along with multiple research centers and institutes. The College has over 100 tenure-track faculty, 2747 undergraduate and 519 graduate students, numerous other staff employees, and generated approximately $16 million in extramural research funding.

The PSS Department is a comprehensive academic unit conducting research and offering coursework and programs in several areas of plant and soil sciences. There are 36 full-time faculty members and a student body consisting of approximately 180 undergraduate and 140 graduate students. B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. level degrees are offered in Plant and Soil Science. Additionally, distance education courses and four certificate programs are offered. The department is research-intensive, while fostering strong teaching expectations and commitments. Students in the department are educated to meet the challenge of using soil, water, and plant resources for sustainable production and environmental quality.

Major/Essential Functions
The primary responsibilities will be to operate and maintain laboratory equipment within the soils laboratories at the Department of Plant and Soil Science. Plan, organize, facilitate, and implement operating procedures for conducting multi-unit collaborative research with the PSS soils groups. Order supplies, schedule equipment maintenance, and implement operational procedures. Perform highly skilled analytical duties in the coordination and completion of projects in a research lab or program. May supervise subordinate employees.

Operate, maintain, and train users on laboratory equipment within the soils laboratories at the Department of Plant and Soil Science.
Plan, organize, and implement operating procedures for conducting multi-unit collaborative research with the PSS soils groups.
Order supplies, scheduling equipment maintenance, and implementing operational procedures for conducting multi-unit collaborative research within the soils groups.
Develop safety protocols and supervise undergraduate students and researchers across different soils groups to implement experiments.
Engage and organize research, sample, and data collection as required, working alongside students, post docs and visiting scholars.

This position may require the individual to work outside in inclement weather, including hot summer days and cold winter days.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and two years experience; or a combination of education and/or related experience to equal six years.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry/engineering, toxicology, soil science, natural resources or environmental sciences, geoscience and/or equivalent work experience by start date.
Prior laboratory experience through work or education.
Master's degree with experience in soil chemistry, soil microbiology, soil physics, and/or pedology.
Candidates with previous laboratory experience in dealing with analytical laboratory maintenance and operation, including ICP-OES/MS, XRF, GC, IC, CNS analysis, and determination of hydro-physical properties.
Experience conducting fieldwork including experience with gas flux measurements, soil sampling, soil descriptions, infiltrometry, and/or sensor deployment/maintenance.
Evidence of ability to independently maintain equipment in different laboratories and ability to manage, plan, execute, operate and supervise minor fixes to equipment to ensure successful implementation of research objectives.
Evidence of proven data analysis skills (e.g., trouble shooting), data maintenance, and data management.
Self-motivated, with excellent written and oral communication skills, management and organization skills, and the ability to work both individually and with a multi-faceted team of fellow researchers, while maintaining positive and effective work relationships.

Pay Range
$44,500 - $57,900 - $71,200

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.