University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE)
Two (2) Field Research Technicians
The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign seeks 2 full time research technicians. This is a 12-month, non-tenure-track Academic Professional position. These positions will conduct field work and laboratory experiments; analyze soil, gas and water samples; support lab activites as part of a Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions in Carbon and Nitrogen Biogeochemistry project.
The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit htt p://go.illinois.eud/EEO. To learn more about the University’s commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Support field and laboratory research activities led by a postdoctoral research associate and a graduate student focusing on nitrogen biogeochemistry. Major responsibilities in the field include the following: sampling soil pore water and trace gas fluxes, and collecting soils for laboratory experiments. Research sites are located in Florida, Iowa and other areas in the eastern U.S. so this will require frequent travel for short sampling campaigns. Major responsibilities in the laboratory include the following: analyzing soil, gas, and water samples; conducting stable isotope tracer experiments and laboratory assays for nitrogen cycling processes ; supervising undergraduate students assisting with this project, including training and assigning work and tracking work performance and deliverables; and assisting with data compilation, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
Required qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on depth and breadth of experience and skills as related to this position. Research experience in the laboratory and in the field related to biogeochemistry (e.g., trace gas flux measurements, soil sampling, wet chemistry, gas chromatography). Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel). A valid driver’s license and ability to travel to research sites in Florida, Iowa, and other locations in the eastern U.S. for short sampling campaigns.
Preferred qualifications: Experience running analytical instrumentation for soil, water and gas samples (i.e., SmartChem discrete autoanalyzer, gas chromatograph, isotope ratio mass spectrometer). Experience with laboratory assays for soil nitrogen cycling processes. Previous supervisory experience. Ability to work in a large collaborative team environment. Ability to work long days in the field under hot and humid conditions. Strong organizational skills.
Environmental Demands: Fieldwork including working in adverse weather and field conditions.
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Start date: as soon as possible
Applications must be received by January 29, 2019. To apply, all candidates must submit an online profile through https://jobs.illinois.edu by the close of the posting period. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of which details qualifications noted above, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
For further information, please contact: Erica Hanson, HR Associate, at elhanson@illinois.edu.
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.