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Job Opportunity: Physical Science Technician, USDA Agricultural Research Service (Peoria, IL)
The National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Functional Foods Research Unit is seeking a full-time, TERM Appt NTE 2 years, Physical Science Technician to use analytical and quantitative chemistry to assist a Research Plant Physiologist that is conducting research utilizing waste steam by-products (e.g., platform chemicals, seedcakes, biomass wastes) as bio-fillers for plastics and composite bio-plastics.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
DUTIES:
The typical, but not all-inclusive, duties are illustrated by performance of the following:
· Assists in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, including plant sample collection, preparation, milling, sieving, chemical extraction, chemical modification, biocomposite preparation and processing and analysis;
· Performs routine and recurring analysis using a variety of specialized equipment such as milling and sieving machines, thermogravimetric analysis instrument, differential thermal analysis instrument, Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer, mechanical testing machines, Soxhlet extractors, spectraphoto-colorimeters;
· Maintains, calibrates and modifies equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures;
· Collects, prepares, evaluates and verifies samples and supporting records; maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources;
· Keeps detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates, statistically analyzes, and summarizes data using personal computers, software packages and databases;
· Maintains inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological);
· Keeps work-site in a neat and orderly manner.
Working Conditions and Other Considerations: Working in a research laboratory setting.