Laboratory and Field Technician - Environmental Sciences

Requisition Id 13303 

 

 

Overview:  

The Earth Systems Science Section (ESSS) within the Environmental Sciences Division (ESD), http://www.esd.ornl.gov, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), http://www.ornl.gov, is seeking a highly motivated individual to provide laboratory and field support for several existing projects associated with ORNL’s Climate Change Science Institute. A common goal that permeates our research is using environmental field data to inform earth system models that represent the cycling of carbon, water, and nutrients in changing ecosystems. We measure soil and vegetation responses to prevailing or experimental environmental conditions to understand fundamental ecosystem processes. We are looking for someone to support our team by independently running analytical machines, ecophysiology field equipment, managing sample collection, data analysis and data curation, participating in field research campaigns, and maintaining a productive, clean, and safe laboratory environment. This position will primarily support field and laboratory activities in the NGEE Tropics Project (https://ngee-tropics.lbl.gov/), focused in the area of understanding tropical forest responses to drought, and the SPRUCE field experiment https://mnspruce.ornl.gov/, focused on understanding boreal peatland response to climate change. The position will also support various other research projects within the Environmental Sciences Division, such as the Knoxville urban heat island project, https://www.ornl.gov/project/biogeochemical-processes-influencing-urban-ecosystems.

 

This will be a full-time position with potential for scientific growth and career advancement for an independent and highly motivated individual. The position is initially for one year with full benefits including a medical plan and vacation, with potential for renewal based on performance and funding. The selected candidate will join the Ecosystem Processes group and focus on plant ecophysiological research with Dr. Jeffrey Warren.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will conduct field and laboratory work, manage USDA plant/soil import permitting regulations, laboratory waste streams, equipment and space to ensure that all laboratory work is compliant with ORNL safety standards.
• The person in this role will be responsible for running a cryogenic vacuum extraction system (for stable isotopes of water) and Picarro isotopic water analyzer.
• There will also be periodic use of various ecophysiology equipment, including Campbell data logger systems, portable gas exchange systems (LICOR LI-6400, LI-6800), Walz monitoring PAM fluorometer, PMS pressure chambers and various sensors.
• Laboratory activities will include sample preparation and analysis, data processing and analysis, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Duties will also include development and writing up protocols, data archiving, and contributing to peer-reviewed manuscripts and reports, e.g., by data analysis, statistics and some writing.
• Work will involve various physical requirements and other specific working conditions and as such a post offer, pre-hire physical will be required.
• At least two, and likely up to four or more field trips a year to existing and new field sites (e.g., Missouri, Minnesota, Panama, Alaska) will be required to install equipment, conduct measurements and collect plant, soil and water samples.
• During field campaigns, team members often work long hours and occasionally share housing: a strong work ethic and interest in natural ecosystems can make these challenging trips rewarding for the right individual.
• Field conditions can be unpredictable and strenuous: inclement and hot weather, manual labor, insects, and unforeseen logistical challenges often prevail.
• Travel for field campaigns is expected to take up roughly 1 month/year.