Technical Associate or Research Associate - Lab Manager - Estuarine & Ocean Sciences

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth•Dartmouth, MA

35d•$55,000 - $70,000

About The Position

To work directly with Coastal Systems Program (CSP) staff and students on coastal ecological research programs including estuarine restoration and natural attenuation projects. Tasks include the collection of field data relevant to estuarine ecology and restoration, deployment and analysis of autonomous instrumentation, and oversight of a variety of field tasks. A key task is to oversee coordination, communications, equipment, and scheduling with water monitoring programs and direct day-to-day laboratory activities. Technical/Research Associates are also expected to participate in the compilation and analysis of data, publication of technical reports and publications, project renewals and the development of new projects. Follow the University's best practices to build and/or support student academic success and retention, and assist in meeting strategic objectives for persistence and timely graduation of all the student population.

Requirements

B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Marine/Environmental Science related to coastal processes and a minimum of 3 years of experience for Technical Associate level; or M.S. degree in the relevant fields with at least 10 years of experience, or a Ph.D. for Research Associate level.
Sample collection, nutrient analysis and data analysis experience
Experience with report preparation and publication
Project management experience, including participation in proposal development.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Nutrient analytical skills using both bench chemistry and auto-analysis.
Experience in data entry including Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to organize and prioritize incoming samples for analyses from various research programs simultaneously.
Ability to communicate and coordinate sample collection both by and external to laboratory staff.
Good writing and communication skills.
Ability to oversee operation of a busy analytical facility, including maintenance of chemicals, supplies and instrumentation as needed.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to work irregular hours may be required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in data analysis, synthesis and presentation
Experience in writing technical memorandum and reports
Experience working with and managing data collection on multiple projects simultaneously
Working knowledge of coastal ecosystem processes
SCUBA certified

Responsibilities

Support the field and laboratory research programs of the Coastal Systems Program
Synthesize and analyze data, and prepare graphics for integration into estuarine models
Oversee coordination, communications, equipment and scheduling with water monitoring programs
Direct day-to-day laboratory activities.
Design and oversee field data collection efforts and take part in the sampling programs.
Supervise the work of research assistants, interns and work-study students.
Oversee training of volunteers for field sampling and incoming interns and graduate students
Oversee data delivery to water quality programs, including oversight of QA/QC.
Serve as Co-P.I. on appropriate CSP projects
Help maintain Coastal Systems Program database and research records.
Assist in laboratory analysis of nutrient samples.
Maintain laboratory and field instrumentation.
Write proposals, reports and technical presentations, including working with outside collaborators on joint projects and working directly with some of our funders.