About the role
OFFICIAL JOB TITLE: Technical Associate
DIVISION: Academic Affairs
WORKING TITLE: Research Technician
DEPARTMENT: DEOS
BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: AFT
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Micheline Labrie
SUPERVISES: Student research assistants
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: The primary responsibility of a Technical Associate is to assist students, faculty and other researchers with all aspects of carrying out research; this includes conducting research operations, presenting results and assisting with grant proposal preparation and administration. Within the Coastal Systems Program (CSP), the position supports coastal, estuarine, freshwater and watershed research and monitoring through intensive field sampling in a variety of conditions from multiple research platforms, laboratory analysis, scientific equipment operation, data management and quality assurance/quality control. This work is essential to monitoring the ecological health of coastal Massachusetts.
Follows the University’s best practices to build and/or support student academic success and retention, and assist in meeting strategic objectives for persistence and timely graduation of all the student population.
EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform research and monitoring under the supervision of a more senior researcher
- Assist with experimental or research program design, field planning and sampling logistics
- Conduct coastal, estuarine, freshwater and watershed field sampling from shore, docks, boats and in marsh areas; collect, preserve, transport and process samples in accordance with SOPs, QAPPs and chain-of-custody requirements
- Assist and supervise student researchers and temporary research staff
- Provide process specific training in field, laboratory, equipment, data and safety procedures
- Operate, calibrate, maintain and troubleshoot water-quality and other field and laboratory equipment; perform minor repairs when appropriate
- Assist with laboratory analyses and sample processing, including reagent preparation, instrument setup, cleaning and documentation
- Analyze and quality-check data; maintain field logs, laboratory notebooks, spreadsheets and electronic project records
- Assist with all aspects of laboratory and field operations including stocking and ordering supplies, inventory, receiving, cleaning and organizing
- Prepare and share presentation materials, data summaries, technical reports, manuscripts and publications
- Assist with grant proposal preparation and development, implementation and maintenance of web based communications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- EDUCATION: Baccalaureate degree in marine science, environmental science, biology, chemistry, oceanography, natural resources, or another relevant field
- EXPERIENCE: Hands-on field, laboratory, or technical research experience related to environmental, marine, aquatic, or water-quality research
- OTHER: Ability and willingness to travel to project sites and work irregular (i.e. early morning, evening, or weekend) hours is required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in a closely related field
- Experience with coastal or estuarine water-quality monitoring, environmental sampling and laboratory analysis
- Experience with small-boat field operations and marine fieldwork
- SCUBA certification preferred; scientific-diving experience is desirable
- Experience with environmental sensors, autonomous aquatic monitoring platforms or similar field technologies
- Experience with SOPs, QA/QC, environmental data management, Microsoft Excel, Matlab, R, and/or GIS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to follow scientific protocols, SOPs, QA/QC, chain-of-custody and safety requirements
- Ability to conduct field and laboratory research, perform computations and collect accurate environmental data
- Ability to work in a wide range of field conditions throughout the year
- Ability to assist, supervise and train student researchers and research staff
- Ability to maintain, calibrate, operate, troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on scientific equipment
- Ability to maintain accurate records and organize, review and summarize data using spreadsheets and electronic tools
- Ability to learn new field, laboratory, analytical, computational and instrumentation techniques and skills
- Ability to practice and promote safe, clean and secure laboratory and field practices
- Ability to assist and support senior researchers in the technical and operational aspects of a research enterprise
- Ability to lift and move field sampling equipment (up to 50 lbs.)
SALARY: $45,000-$55,000
UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:
- 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- State Pension Retirement Plan
- Optional Retirement Savings Plans
- Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
- Twelve (12) paid holidays
- And More!
Benefits for Faculty Federation - Librarians/Technicians
Applicants must be authorized for permanent employment in the United States. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.
To apply, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume, and the contact information for three professional references.
The review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.