Research Professional (Lab Manager and Lead Technician) at The University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia

Job Description:

Posting Number:

S11563P

Working Title:

Research Professional (Lab Manager and Lead Technician)

Department:

Ecology-Odum School of Ecology

About the University of Georgia:

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (
https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS or ORP

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time:

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information:

Generally, 8 am - 5 pm. During field campaigns, work can exceed 8 hours per day on certain days and may require work on weekends.

Advertised Salary:

$45,000 - $55,000

Posting Date:

01/23/2024

Open until filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

04/01/2024

Location of Vacancy:

Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Classification Title:

Research Professional AD

FLSA:

Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

BS and MS in ecology, soil science, environmental science or related discipline

Position Summary:

The Wurzburger lab in the Odum School of Ecology is seeking a highly motivated and team-oriented individual for the full-time position of Lab Manager/Lead technician (Research Professional). The Wurzburger lab studies biogeochemical cycles of terrestrial ecosystems, with a specific focus on the interactions of plants, symbiotic microbes and soils. The incumbent will oversee field and lab research on ecosystem biogeochemistry, contribute to data management, analysis and writing, and will oversee daily operations. The incumbent will have the opportunity to contribute to several research projects and will be integral member of the lab group. Preference is given to applicants with BS and MS in ecology, soil science, environmental science or related discipline.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Extensive experience in ecological field research and prior experience in forest ecology is highly preferred.


• Experience in biogeochemical research, including methods to characterize biological, chemical and physical properties of soils.


• Experience in data management.


• Flexible and can manage multiple priorities.


• Excellent at record keeping, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.


• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.


• Proficient in data manipulation, visualization and analysis in R.


• Experience in writing scientific papers.


• Ability to coordinate logistics within lab group and with research collaborators.


• Ability to work in team setting or independently as needed.

Physical Demands:

• This position will involve conducting field work in forests, often in hot and humid conditions, including digging soil pits, and carrying 30lbs up to a mile off-trail.


• Driving long distances may be involved for field work campaigns.


• Lab work will include sitting for long periods at the bench or computer.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?:

Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?:

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

No

Credit and P-Card policy:

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the
UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy:

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the
UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lab research on ecosystem biogeochemistry.
  
  
  • Research includes the analysis of soil samples for chemical, biological and physical properties, including DNA extractions of microbial communities, organic matter fractionation, extracellular enzyme activity, and quantification of pyrogenic carbon.
  
  
  • Other research tasks include equipment maintenance, data management, data analysis, contributing to writing scientific papers, and regular meetings with the PI and lab group to discuss research results.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Percentage of time:

60

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Field research on ecosystem biogeochemistry, primarily in eastern US forests.
  
  
  • Field research involves out-of-state travel to field sites, meeting with site managers, coordinating logistics, delineating forest plots, measuring trees and sampling soils
  
  
  
  
  
  

Percentage of time:

20

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Training and supervising undergraduate assistants in field and lab research.

Percentage of time:

10

Duties/Responsibilities:

• General lab management, including ordering consumables, maintaining reagents, organizing sample inventories, management of safety training requirements of lab group, and shipping samples to collaborators.

Percentage of time:

10

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name:

Hanna Crawford

Recruitment Contact Email:

hanna.dockery@uga.edu

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