Post on Conservation Job Board
Penn State's Department of Ecosystem Science and Management is seeking a Research Technologist. This is a full-time, fixed term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with possibility for refunding for a second year. The position is available starting in June, 2021.
The successful candidate, who will work in Dr. Bradley Cardinale’s freshwater ecology laboratory at Penn State University, will help manage the lab as well as assist with experiments that focus on the ecological impacts of biodiversity change in streams, lakes, and wetlands.
Responsibilities will include
(1) setting up and maintaining cultures of freshwater organisms, including various species of algae and invertebrates that are used in laboratory and field experiments,
(2) overseeing employee safety training, as well as lab compliance with PSU requirements for environmental health and safety,
(3) ordering and ensuring proper installation, calibration, operation, and maintenance of laboratory and field research supplies and equipment,
(4) assist with the preparation, set-up, maintenance, and collection of data from laboratory and field-based experiments,
(5) use of standard methods to perform a variety of limnological analyses ranging from physical and chemical characterization of water samples, to analysis and identification of biological samples of algae and invertebrates, and
(6) manage project databases and assist with summaries and preliminary analyses of data.
The Cardinale lab is part of Penn State University’s Department of Ecosystem Science and Management ((https://ecosystems.psu.edu/). Penn State University was recently ranked 18th nationally among ‘Top Public Schools’ by U.S. News. Due to its natural beauty, preservation of forested areas, vibrant arts program, lively downtown landscape, and high quality of living at an affordable price, Livability.com ranked State College, PA among the top 100 Best Places to Live (they don’t call it ‘Happy Valley’ for nothing).
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field or higher plus one year of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior experience working in freshwater habitats or with freshwater organisms is desirable.
Applications. On the Penn State Human Resources page (https://hr.psu.edu/careers), applicants should click on the link ‘Staff & Technical Service’ and then search for REQ_0000011046. After clicking ‘Apply’, candidates will be asked to create an account. Once an account is created, applicants should upload a cover letter stating their experience and interest in the position, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Applications are due by April 1st, 2021.
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