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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) is seeking a Research Assistant to provide support for ongoing projects related to water quality in shale gas development areas and for other energy-related project activities. This will include support for project operations and logistics, communications, lab/office organization, and data entry for the project, as well as providing extensive support for the principal investigators of the project. 

The successful candidate will have expertise in written and oral communication, in the use of geographic information systems, in coding, in data entry, in editing scientific documents, and in planning and budgeting and will also need to have a driver’s license and ability to drive university vehicles for field work. The candidate will be trained during the project in water sampling, survey technique, data analysis, report writing, field and lab protocol and safety, and community outreach activities. The successful candidate should also have the ability to work well within a team, to work independently, and to learn rapidly about environmental, geographic, geochemical, and community science systems.

Education and Experience: A minimum education of a High School Diploma/GED or Vocational Training/Degree is required, but a Bachelor's Degree or additional experience related to environmental, chemical, geographical, or geological science is a plus.

Duties include:

• Facilitate research project logistics including communicating updates to sponsors and team members, tracking project progress, scheduling meetings and field visits, organizing internal and external training sessions, and coordinating project participant scheduling.

• Support data and project management activities through use of GIS, data entry, coding, and generating solicitation cards and reports.

• Serve as point of contact and liaison for investigators, project team members, sponsors, community and government partners.

• Assist with financial aspects of research activities including processing reimbursements, payroll, purchase requests, and budget tracking as needed.

• Assist with editing, preparing, and submitting summaries, reports, grants, and proposals if needed.

• Maintain documentation and records related to research activities, community personnel engagement, personnel certifications, operating procedures, and safety requirements.

• Provide support to external participants related to sample submissions and transcribe intervie