Wet Lab Carbon Technician

FedWriters, Inc.•Pittsfield Charter Township, MI

3d•$39 - $41•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is for a Wet Lab Carbon Technician to support NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL). The technician will be responsible for running instruments, owning QA/QC, and processing lake-water samples into datasets that inform understanding and protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem. The position involves performing routine and complex wet chemistry analyses on water and sediment samples, with a focus on organic and inorganic carbon fractions, in support of GLERL's research. The role combines benchwork in the lab with fieldwork on NOAA research vessels.

Requirements

BS degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, environmental science, limnology, or a closely related scientific discipline
Demonstrated experience working in a wet chemistry laboratory environment handling environmental samples
Experience with basic laboratory instrumentation and data entry software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace)
Valid driver's license
Ability to lift and carry a 50 lb load to assist with sample coolers and field gear
Ability to perform field work and handle sample collection on marine vessels
Demonstrated ability to work independently and safely within a laboratory setting, function as part of a technical team, and strong interpersonal and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience working in an analytical chemistry or biogeochemistry wet lab focused on aquatic environments
Hands-on experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining carbon analysis instrumentation, such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC/DOC) analyzers, Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) analyzers, or elemental analyzers (CHN)
Experience with automated nutrient analyzers, spectrophotometers, fluorometers, and vacuum filtration systems
Experience working with and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Experience using certified reference materials (CRMs), creating standards based on SOPs, and calibration of instruments and sensors
Familiarity with QA/QC protocols, creating standard curves, running check standards, and tracking instrument drift
Experience processing and analyzing environmental datasets using programming languages such as Python or R
Experience working at sea or on research cruises within the Great Lakes or similar large aquatic systems
General knowledge of freshwater ecology, harmful algal bloom (HAB) dynamics, and carbon cycle biogeochemistry

Responsibilities

Perform routine and complex wet laboratory chemical analyses on water and sediment samples, focusing on organic and inorganic carbon fractions (TOC, DOC, DIC, POC) and related nutrient parameters in support of HABs and ecosystem research
Prepare chemical reagents, standard solutions, and specialized glassware/plasticware, adhering to strict laboratory cleanliness and quality protocols
Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform routine preventative maintenance on core laboratory analytical equipment (e.g., TOC analyzers, spectrophotometers, fluorometers, filtration apparatus)
Execute rigorous laboratory QA/QC procedures, accurately document instrument performance, maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, and manage chemical inventories and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Log, track, and preserve incoming field samples collected from GLERL research vessels, autonomous vehicles, and the real-time observation network
Conduct vacuum filtrations for chlorophyll-a, phycocyanin, particulate organic carbon, and total suspended solids, managing subsequent extraction and analysis processes
Process, review, and perform initial quality control checks on analytical datasets; upload finalized data into designated GLERL databases and archives
Assist research scientists and engineers with field data and sample collection on NOAA small boats and GLERL research vessels during seasonal monitoring cruises (typically May to November)
Collaborate with technical staff to draft and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), data summaries, and quality management records
Assist in developing figures, charts, and technical summaries of carbon and bloom data for research communications, technical publications, and presentations
Safely operate basic material handling equipment and adhere to all NOAA environmental health and safety regulations within the wet lab facility