Faculty Assistant

University of Maryland•College Park, MD

13d•$49,073 - $138,298

About The Position

Organization's Summary Statement: Seeking a faculty assistant to manage laboratory and field experiments related improving the sustainability of agroecosystems in the Mid-Atlantic. The individual will be required to perform a variety of technical and supervisory duties in the laboratory, field, and greenhouse. They must have a knowledge of the basic principles of ecology, soil science, and biogeochemistry. A bachelor’s degree in biology, agroecology, natural resource management, or plant science is required. Qualified candidates must have at least 4 years field and laboratory experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.

Requirements

At least 4 years of experience conducting field research.
At least 2 years of experience supervising graduate and undergraduates in laboratory and field protocols.
Comprehensive knowledge of mid-Atlantic agroecological practices, with a focus on coastal agriculture.
Experience with standard operating procedure (SOP) development and design.
Experience programming microcontrollers for use in laboratory and remote settings (e.g., Arduino).
Skill in keeping exact and detailed records of data obtained from field experiments.
Ability to problem solve.
Ability to schedule and independently carry out work assignments.
Ability to work independently on assigned tasks (i.e., time management skills).
Ability to delegate work among other lab members.
BS degree in environmental science or plant science
At least 4 years of laboratory and/or field experience.
At least 2 years of experience leading field teams.
At least 2 years of experience training graduate students and undergraduates in laboratory protocols.
State issued Driver's License
Position requires fieldwork. Applicants should be able to walk long distances, lift 50 pounds and be able to work in a hot, humid, wet environment.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with installation and troubleshooting Teledyne ISCO 6712 Portable Water Samplers
Experience programming in Python, Arduino IDE, and R.
Experience with soldering and microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32).
Experience with Hach LACHAT QuikChem 8500.
Experience with Shimadzu TOC-L.
Experience with Hobo Data loggers and Data Shuttle.
Experience with Dynacrush soil grinder.
Experience with Mehlich-3, KCL, and Electrical Conductivity soil extractions.
Experience with gravity, syringe, and vacuum filtration methods.
Experience with a GasMet and integrates LI-COR Smart Chamber systems.
Experience flying drones (drone pilot license).

Responsibilities

Manage field work on the Eastern Shore (MD, DE, and VA).
Manage field teams and organize sampling campaigns.
Drive to and from the Eastern Shore and individual research sites.
Install and maintain field equipment (ISCO automatic water samplers, data loggers, sensors).
Collect water samples from remote locations and carrying them out (~20 min walk with 25-50 lbs in a backpack).
Collect, record, and enter research data (incl. data from loggers and sensors deployed in the field).
Process samples (water, soil, plant).
Performing and training students on soil extraction protocols (e.g. KCl, EC, and Mehlich 3)
Prepare of solutions, reagents, standards following established formulas and procedures.
Organize the cleaning of glassware and plastics, re-stocking shelves.
Organize and performs general laboratory housekeeping on field and laboratory equipment such as augers, balances, hoods, lab benches, autoclaves.
Organize the labeling and removal of laboratory chemical waste.
Log samples, labels tubes, bottles, and other containers for field and lab procedures.
Maintain chemicals and equipment inventory (field and lab).
Manage the organization and mentoring of undergraduate and summer interns.
Analyze samples on colorimeter (e.g., LACHAT QuikChem)
Analyze water samples for carbon using combustion catalytic oxidation method.
Maintain electronic records of all field and laboratory data and back up on a weekly basis.
Design and execute complex construction projects that would involve the use of table saws, drill presses, programming circuitry, etc.