Laboratory and Research Specialist II

Virginia TechBlacksburg, VA
$52,000 - $54,000Onsite

About The Position

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences seeks to hire a full-time Laboratory and Research Specialist with expertise in Agro-environmental Sensors and Electronics. This position serves as a primary research support specialist for instrumentation and data management in agricultural and environmental systems. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, designing, deploying and maintaining instruments and networks devoted to environmental sensing (e.g., soil moisture, stream flow/chemistry, greenhouse gas emissions, sap flux, GPS-and/or RFID-based tracking); implementing cutting-edge environmental sensors and methods; assisting with data processing and analysis; implementing database management practices; recognizing and prioritizing research needs; working cooperatively with other team members; and assisting others with proper means and methods for accurately and safely meeting research tasks and objectives.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's in science or engineering or related study or equivalent training, experience
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. and perform strenuous work under adverse environmental conditions
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage detailed and complex tasks with good results
  • Experience with environmental sensors and equipment
  • Proven excellence in outreach, verbal and written skills
  • Virginia Driver's License required with clear driving record

Nice To Haves

  • Data management tools such as R. Python, MySQL and/or MatLab
  • Electronics circuits and printed circuit board (PCB) design and development
  • Micro-controller and/or mini-computer experience (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pl.)
  • Computer programming experience

Responsibilities

  • Designing, deploying and maintaining instruments and networks devoted to environmental sensing (e.g., soil moisture, stream flow/chemistry, greenhouse gas emissions, sap flux, GPS-and/or RFID-based tracking)
  • Implementing cutting-edge environmental sensors and methods
  • Assisting with data processing and analysis
  • Implementing database management practices
  • Recognizing and prioritizing research needs
  • Working cooperatively with other team members
  • Assisting others with proper means and methods for accurately and safely meeting research tasks and objectives
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