SODCO Chemistry Technician

Friends Of The Texas A&m University Libraries • College Station, TX

301d

About The Position

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is dedicated to uncovering Earth's history through the study of ocean floor sediments and rocks. We are looking for a Chemistry Technician to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for the maintenance, oversight, and mobilization of chemistry and microbiology instrumentation for our Mission Specific Platforms (MSP). Your key duties will include ensuring laboratory containers and chemical analytical equipment for MSPs are maintained, repaired, and ready for seagoing cruises; assisting with ordering, receiving supplies, and maintaining a supply inventory; supporting mobilization and demobilization efforts; and sailing as a Chemistry Marine Technician to assist with the operation of instrumentation at sea.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Earth Science, Chemistry, or relevant field.
• Four years of relevant professional experience in working with chemical analytical equipment.
• An advanced degree will reduce experience requirements: two years of relevant professional experience with a Master's degree or the completion of a PhD.
• Obtain and hold a passport and appropriate travel visas on a continuing basis.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, multitask, and to lead a team.
• Must be able to work cooperatively and communicate effectively, demonstrating excellent teamwork, leadership, and displaying a service-oriented attitude.

Nice To Haves

• Working operational knowledge of geologic laboratory facilities, including operation and maintenance of instrumentation related to measuring geologic core physical properties, geochemistry, microbiologic sample handling, and microscopy.
• Experience with logistics.
• Experience in design, construction, and/or installation of scientific equipment.
• Experience with scientific ocean drilling and working in shipboard laboratories.
• Background in geological sciences or oceanography.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and analytical support for chemistry and microbiological equipment for MSPs.
• Provide technical support at sea as a Marine Technician, training scientists, overseeing lab safety requirements, and assisting with measurements.
• Ensure that scientists are following proper safety measurement protocols.
• Maintain chemistry and microbiology containers and their infrastructure and installed support equipment.
• Maintain accurate documentation on all chemistry and microbiological equipment.
• Work with the SODCO expedition project team and GCR management to ensure analytical requirements and related equipment and supplies are defined and ready for shipping deadlines.
• Assist in SODCO mobilization and demobilization activities, specifically overseeing tasks for chemistry and microbiology equipment.
• Assist with other SODCO laboratory equipment maintenance under the direction of the Technical Support Supervisor.
• Participate in SODCO projects related to instrument and software development/enhancement.
• Oversee lab-specific supplies for each expedition and assist in maintaining a property database of the laboratory instruments and equipment.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Free exercise programs and release time.
• Access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.
• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree