SODCO Senior Technician

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

303d

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. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service. The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is dedicated to uncovering Earth's history through the study of ocean floor sediments and rocks. Our numerous seagoing expeditions aboard the scientific drillship JOIDES Resolution (JR), conducted on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF), have enabled researchers to gather invaluable core samples from around the world. Following the recent demobilization of the JR, Texas A&M University has been entrusted by the NSF to establish an instrumented Gulf Coast Repository (GCR), utilizing the advanced instrumentation from the JR. As we anticipate the award of the Scientific Ocean Drilling Coordination Office (SODCO), IODP is gearing up to coordinate and manage future drilling activities. Our mission includes collecting subseafloor samples, conducting subseafloor measurements, and installing long-term borehole observatories to advance our understanding of Earth's processes. We are looking for a Senior Technician to join our team. In this role, you will be providing outstanding technical and analytical support to plan and implement expeditions on mission specific platforms (MSP) in collaboration with other SODCO employees. This includes ensuring that laboratory containers and analytical equipment for MSPs are maintained, repaired, and readied for seagoing cruises; ordering and receiving supplies; creating and maintaining a supply inventory; assisting in mobilization and demobilization efforts; and sailing as an Assistant Laboratory Officer to oversee core processing at sea. The ideal candidate will have 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, working effectively with scientists as well as scientific ocean drilling and working in shipboard laboratories. A background in geological sciences or oceanography are preferred.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Earth Science or relevant field.
• Ten years of relevant professional experience in working with scientific analytical equipment.
• An advanced degree will reduce experience requirements: eight years of relevant professional experience with a Master's degree or six year professional experience with 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 in all interactions.

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 working effectively with scientists.
• Experience with scientific ocean drilling and working in shipboard laboratories.
• Background in geological sciences or oceanography.

Responsibilities

• Provide outstanding technical and analytical support to plan and implement expeditions on mission specific platforms (MSP).
• Act as the Assistant Lab Officer on seagoing expeditions, supervising technical team members and providing analytical support in coordination with the SODCO Technical Supervisor.
• Serve as the laboratory foreman, directing processing of core through the SODCO lab containers, directing resources, and assigning duties as necessary.
• Assist in laboratory safety training of external science staff at sea.
• Ensure containers and their infrastructure and installed support equipment are maintained, repaired, and readied for the next expedition.
• Maintain accurate documentation on all standard and third-party laboratory instruments.
• Work with the SODCO expedition project team to define technical and analytical support requirements and procure for each expedition.
• Coordinate with 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, including mobilization of instrumentation from the GCR to containers.
• Oversee routine shorebased shipping and receiving activities.
• Assist with SODCO and expedition specific budget preparations, program plans, spending plan forecasts, and cost documentation as required.
• Understand, comply and administer all pertinent SOD, TAMU, TAMRF/TAMUS, state and federal policies.
• Order lab supplies, control inventory of SODCO supplies, and receive incoming supply shipments.
• Maintain a property database of the laboratory instruments and equipment, including location.

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

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree