LAB TECHNICIAN
University of Washington, School of Environmental & Forest Sciences
Web Address: http://www.sefs.washington.edu/
Job Location: Seattle, WA
Posting Date: July 19, 2019
Closing Info: Open until filled
Wage: $16.37 per hour, 20 hours per week (minimum)
This position is not overtime eligible
Duration: 10-11 months
Start Date: August 12 – September 9, 2019
End Date: June 5, 2020
Position Purpose
This incumbent assists with data entry and sample processing for scientific research conducted by the Fire and Environmental Research Applications Team. Data and samples will be from multiple research projects focused on, but are not limited to, characterization of wildland fuels and their consumption during prescribed burns or wildfires from locations across the United States. These data will be used to evaluate the predictive capability of fuels and fire behavior models. Data entry will include manual typing of data from field data sheets into a database. Sample processing will include sorting vegetation into general categories as they relate to fire behavior, drying samples in convection ovens to remove moisture, using electronic balances to measure the mass of dried samples, and careful recording of weights and sample numbers.
Key Requirements
- Positions may have medical qualification requirements.
- You must be 18 years of age or older prior to appointment.
- These positions have no promotion potential.
Work Environment
This position will work indoors in a laboratory and office environment. Work will include time working around convection ovens where indoor temperatures are warm. Extensive periods of time will be dedicated to meticulous tasks, including sorting of vegetation samples, manually checking data for errors, and entering data. Individuals should be capable of working alone and with other people.
Responsibilities
The incumbent will be responsible for paying close attention to detail and ensuring accuracy while performing data entry and processing tasks. The incumbent will perform tasks under close supervision. Specific responsibilities include:
- Following safety protocols and fostering a safe working environment.
- Careful and accurate entry of field and laboratory data.
- Sorting, drying, and weighing biomass and fuel moisture samples in laboratory settings using methods to minimize errors.
- Reviewing entered data for errors.
- Maintaining detailed records of lab activities to inform research methodology.
Qualifications
Required
- At least 30 days experience conducting work related to natural sciences.
- At least 8 credit hours of coursework in natural resources or biology.
Desired
- Experience with data entry and quality assurance/quality control.
- Experience processing environmental samples in a laboratory setting.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should submit the required application materials as pdf or MS Word attachments in an email to Deborah Nemens (dnemens@uw.edu). The position will remain open until filled.
Required Application Materials
- Resume
- Transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable)
- Contact information for 3 professional references
Those desiring further information about the position should contact:
Deborah Nemens
School of Environmental and Forest Sciences
University of Washington
PO Box 352100
Seattle, WA 98195-2100
Email: dnemens@uw.edu
Phone: (503) 734-9659