NERR Chemistry Lab Technician

University of South Carolina • Columbia, SC

375d • $35,000

About The Position

The University of South Carolina is seeking a Research Specialist to assist in the research and monitoring of nutrient and water quality dynamics as part of the North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR). The successful candidate will lead field collection and laboratory processing of water samples using modern analytical equipment, conduct quality assurance/quality control, manage and analyze data, and generate complete metadata associated with the water chemistry sampling program. Additionally, the role involves assisting with the day-to-day operation of the analytical services laboratory, including maintenance of analytical equipment and training of students and external users in analytical procedures. The position also contributes to ongoing field research focused on salt marsh ecology, including vegetation surveys, sediment biogeochemistry, and marsh fauna. This position is established in support of expanded research activities or projects.

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty.
• Familiarity with basic water quality techniques and wet chemistry methods for nutrient analyses.
• Computer proficiency and knowledge of basic data management and statistical procedures.
• Knowledge of estuarine ecosystem processes highly desirable.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, marine or environmental science, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Process nutrient and water quality data, including data quality assessment/quality control and data submission to the Centralized Data Management Office of the NERR System.
• Participate in the statistical analysis and interpretation of nutrient and water quality data, including the presentation and publication of research and monitoring results.
• Maintain, deploy and retrieve automated water samplers according to predetermined schedule and whenever unexpected research opportunities arise.
• Work with Laboratory Manager to facilitate day-to-day analytical services laboratory, including maintenance and upkeep of analytical equipment, implementation of laboratory sample management and quality assurance program, ordering and stocking of lab supplies.
• Conduct laboratory analyses of water samples using analytical equipment including Seal Analytical autoanalyzers, Shimadzu carbon analyzer, Costech elemental analyzer, Turner fluorometer and Jasco UV-Vis spectrophotometer.
• Perform other tasks that contribute to the mission of the NERR, Baruch Institute and University of South Carolina.
• Participate in additional field studies as the need arises.

Benefits

• Health and life insurance
• Generous paid leave
• Retirement programs
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees