Laboratory and Field Technician - Environmental Sciences

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Laboratory and Field Technician for its Environmental Sciences Division. The role involves supporting projects related to climate change by conducting field and laboratory work, managing samples, and analyzing data. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and offers opportunities for scientific growth. It is a full-time, on-site position located in Oak Ridge, TN, with potential for renewal based on performance.
About the position

The Earth Systems Science Section (ESSS) within the Environmental Sciences Division (ESD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a highly motivated individual to provide laboratory and field support for several existing projects associated with ORNL's Climate Change Science Institute. The primary goal of our research is to utilize environmental field data to inform earth system models that represent the cycling of carbon, water, and nutrients in changing ecosystems. This role involves measuring soil and vegetation responses to prevailing or experimental environmental conditions to understand fundamental ecosystem processes. The selected candidate will support our team by independently operating analytical machines and ecophysiology field equipment, managing sample collection, conducting data analysis, and curating data. Participation in field research campaigns and maintaining a productive, clean, and safe laboratory environment are also key responsibilities. The position will primarily support field and laboratory activities in the NGEE Tropics Project, which focuses on understanding tropical forest responses to drought, and the SPRUCE field experiment, which aims to understand boreal peatland responses to climate change. Additionally, the candidate will support various other research projects within the Environmental Sciences Division, such as the Knoxville urban heat island project. This is 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 successful candidate will join the Ecosystem Processes group and focus on plant ecophysiological research under the guidance of Dr. Jeffrey Warren.

Responsibilities
• Conduct field and laboratory work to support various environmental projects.
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• Manage USDA plant/soil import permitting regulations and laboratory waste streams.
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• Operate a cryogenic vacuum extraction system and Picarro isotopic water analyzer.
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• Utilize various ecophysiology equipment, including Campbell data logger systems and portable gas exchange systems.
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• Prepare and analyze samples, process and analyze data, and maintain laboratory equipment.
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• Develop and write protocols, archive data, and contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts and reports.
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• Participate in field research campaigns, including travel to various field sites for measurements and sample collection.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, forestry, chemistry, geology, or a related environmental field.
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• General knowledge of or experience with ecophysiological and laboratory equipment and methodology.
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• Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
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• Dependable and eager to learn, with availability for advanced training classes offsite.
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• Willingness to participate in field research at remote US or foreign research locations.
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• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a background check.

Nice-to-haves
• Commitment to teamwork and continuous learning.
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• Desire to improve efficiency in everyday tasks and personal investment in accuracy and reproducible science.
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• Ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative environment.
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• Familiarity with ecophysiological equipment such as gas exchange systems and isotopic analyzers.
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• Experience with data processing and statistical analyses in R.
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• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely.

Benefits
• Health savings account
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• Relocation assistance
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• Health insurance
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• Dental insurance
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• 401(k)
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• Flexible spending account
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Parental leave
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• Employee assistance program
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• Vision insurance
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• Employee discount
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• Opportunities for advancement
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• Flexible schedule
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• Life insurance