Technical Associate or Research Associate - Lab Manager - Estuarine & Ocean Sciences

OFFICIAL JOB TITLE: Technical Associate or Research Associate

DIVISION: Academic Affairs

WORKING TITLE: Lab Manager

DEPARTMENT: SMAST

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: AFT

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Dr. Micheline Labrie

SUPERVISES: Analytical laboratory personnel and Coastal Systems Program interns as appropriate.

SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: To work directly with Coastal Systems Program (CSP) staff and students on coastal ecological research programs including estuarine restoration and natural attenuation projects. Tasks include the collection of field data relevant to estuarine ecology and restoration, deployment and analysis of autonomous instrumentation, and oversight of a variety of field tasks. A key task is to oversee coordination, communications, equipment, and scheduling with water monitoring programs and direct day-to-day laboratory activities. Technical/Research Associates are also expected to participate in the compilation and analysis of data, publication of technical reports and publications, project renewals and the development of new projects.

Follow the University’s best practices to build and/or support student academic success and retention, and assist in meeting strategic objectives for persistence and timely graduation of all the student population.

EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the field and laboratory research programs of the Coastal Systems Program
• Synthesize and analyze data, and prepare graphics for integration into estuarine models
• Oversee coordination, communications, equipment and scheduling with water monitoring programs
• Direct day-to-day laboratory activities.
• Design and oversee field data collection efforts and take part in the sampling programs.
• Supervise the work of research assistants, interns and work-study students.
• Oversee training of volunteers for field sampling and incoming interns and graduate students
• Oversee data delivery to water quality programs, including oversight of QA/QC.
• Serve as Co-P.I. on appropriate CSP projects
• Help maintain Coastal Systems Program database and research records.
• Assist in laboratory analysis of nutrient samples.
• Maintain laboratory and field instrumentation.
• Write proposals, reports and technical presentations, including working with outside collaborators on joint projects and working directly with some of our funders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Marine/Environmental Science related to coastal processes and a minimum of 3 years of experience for Technical Associate level; or M.S. degree in the relevant fields with at least 10 years of experience, or a Ph.D. for Research Associate level.

EXPERIENCE:

• Sample collection, nutrient analysis and data analysis experience
• Experience with report preparation and publication
• Project management experience, including participation in proposal development.

OTHER: Must possess a valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in data analysis, synthesis and presentation
• Experience in writing technical memorandum and reports
• Experience working with and managing data collection on multiple projects simultaneously
• Working knowledge of coastal ecosystem processes
• SCUBA certified

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Nutrient analytical skills using both bench chemistry and auto-analysis.
• Experience in data entry including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to organize and prioritize incoming samples for analyses from various research programs simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate and coordinate sample collection both by and external to laboratory staff.
• Good writing and communication skills.
• Ability to oversee operation of a busy analytical facility, including maintenance of chemicals, supplies and instrumentation as needed.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work irregular hours may be required.

NOTE: Other job-related duties and responsibilities may be assigned and/or the job description changed periodically to reflect changing organizational needs.

SALARY: $55,000 - $70,000

UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:

• 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• State Pension Retirement Plan
• Optional Retirement Savings Plans
• Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
• Twelve (12) paid holidays
• And More!

Benefits for Faculty Federation - Librarians/Technicians

To apply please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and the contact information for three professional references.

Applicants must be authorized for employment in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.

The review of internal and external applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.