College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Forestry

Description

The department of Biology in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences with the West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a Research Technician.

About the Opportunity

The purpose of this job is to facilitate laboratory and ecological fieldwork to meet the objectives of NSF funded research. The incumbent will perform field research including measuring trees, sampling soils and vegetation, and using analytical equipment to measure soil respiration at the Fernow Experimental Forest in Parsons, WV. In the lab, the incumbent will perform analyses on C and N cycling in the samples collected from the primary field site.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Paid Time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks

What You'll Do

• Process and analyze soil and plant tissues for chemical composition.
• Maintain and run analytical instruments including elemental analyzer, plate reader, and flow injection analyzer.
• Perform basic wet chemistry extractions of soil and plant tissues in the lab.
• Perform research in the field including setting up new forest plots, taking soil and plant samples, and measuring the carbon dioxide flux of leaves and soil.
• Maintain quality control and proper data management practices for all data generated by the lab.
• Oversee undergraduate students working the lab.

Qualifications

• BA or BS in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology or a related field.
• A minimum of six (6) months of experience in a research or lab environment or an equivalent amount of experience and/or education.
• Ability to use GPS and maps to find research plots in field. 
• Ability to gather, understand and implement technical protocols from current literature.
• Skilled at using related laboratory equipment (elemental analyzer, plate reader, pH meter, scales, pipettes, centrifuges, etc.}.
• Ability to perform basic wet chemistry techniques, and prepare laboratory reagents, etc.
• Skilled at maintaining quality control and data management.
• Ability to maintain records and inventories.
• Strong time management and workload skills.
• Skilled at communicating verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of laboratory terminology.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Willingness and ability to learn new techniques or protocols and apply these in an appropriate manner.
• Good organizational and self-motivational skills.
• Skilled at using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts in order to calculate proportions, percentages, concentration, mass and volumes.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to use tools including wrenches to perform assembly or standard mechanical repairs of laboratory equipment.

Requirements

• Valid US driver's license.
• Hiking at forest field site 2-3 miles.
• Transporting samples and equipment nearing 25 pounds at forest field site.
• Lab work requires sitting, walking, standing, bending, and lifting (up to 15 pounds) or moving of equipment or machinery (using a dolly or cart) up to 75 pounds.   
• Manual dexterity for day-to-day operations to operate a computer and other lab equipment with speed and accuracy.    
• Mental dexterity to focus on experimental protocols. This position requires skill and accuracy in actions required to perform and use all laboratory equipment (such as computers, printers, copiers, centrifuges, autoclaves, etc.), as well as a high degree of exactness in the use of hand instruments. 

About Research Corporation

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University.  We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.