Biological Scientist I

Biological Scientist I

This individual will manage the Precision Water Management laboratory, in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department under the guidance of Dr. Vivek Sharma. Their overall responsibility is to maintain proper function and organization of the laboratory, including, but not limited to, the following duties: Laboratory and Field Administration, Research Support, Technical Writing and Regulatory Compliance, and Training of Lab Personnel.

• Maintain proper function and organization of the laboratory, including, but not limited to, the following duties: ordering supplies, ensuring maintenance/calibration of laboratory equipment, organizing SOPs, assuring regulatory compliance, and updating records. Maintain records of employee training. Maintain billing records to ensure proper account charges, track shipments to and from lab or field sites, track budget across all project accounts. Perform clerical duties and schedule weekly meetings for updating team progress.
• Responsible for field research administration including but not limited to setting up trials on research stations, farmlands, maintaining the trials, collecting data from the field trials, coordinate field campaigns with graduate students, and maintaining field equipment and vehicles. Facilitate communications between farm managers/directors and graduate students. Maintain schedule of events for each field trial and ensure all activities are completed in timely manner.
• Participate and assist in field research under the supervision of the principal investigators. Typical activities will include assisting in soil, plant, and water sampling, participating in field campaigns, entering data, analyzing data, etc. Due to the dynamic nature, additional tasks may be required, such as the development of novel technologies and methods.
• Conduct safety-related tasks, including maintenance of MSDSs (Material Safety Data Sheets), yearly EH&S inspections, and monthly safety self-audits, are also part of the position responsibilities. Prepare detailed and accurate notebooks and records.
• Train graduate and undergraduate researchers in the laboratory and the field on research methods, operations of research equipment, lab safety, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Oversee training and scheduling of OPS employees.

Commensurate with education and experience.