"Research Technician - Applied Aquatic Ecology Center"

Research Technician - Applied Aquatic Ecology Center

Company: North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Full-Time

Join the Pack! A community with nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, and 30,000 students. NC State is one of the largest employers in North Carolina, offering a large range of career opportunities. Visit us at https://jobs.hr.ncsu.edu/.

Department: 112104 - Applied Aquatic Ecology Center

Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:
Join our team at the CAAE's state-certified laboratory, where your work will directly support water quality research and meaningful community education initiatives.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Research Technician to perform water quality analyses using sophisticated instrumentation and established analytical techniques. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to environmental research while also engaging with students, educators, and community groups through our outreach programs.

What You'll Do

• Conduct comprehensive water quality analyses, including nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, nitrate, ammonia/ammonium, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, soluble reactive phosphorus), suspended solids, chlorophyll a, and fecal bacteria in accordance with the CAAE Standard Operating Procedures.
• Operate and maintain advanced laboratory instrumentation, including auto-analyzers and specialized research equipment.
• Prepare reagents, calculate chemical quantities, and ensure precise application for analytical procedures.
• Monitor data quality, identify discrepancies, and organize and prepare datasets for analysis and reporting.
• Provide preliminary summaries of laboratory procedures, tests, and research findings.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and compliant laboratory environment in alignment with QA/QC, sanitation, and safety protocols.
• Manage laboratory inventory, track supply usage, and coordinate ordering of materials for analytical and bacterial testing.
• Collaborate with special projects, including nutrient analysis and coordinated research efforts with ancillary units.
• Independently prepare and maintain bench layouts to support efficient laboratory workflow.

Education & Outreach Engagement

Beyond the lab, you'll have the opportunity to make science accessible and inspiring by:

• Assisting with the CAAE's education and outreach initiatives.
• Hosting visiting groups for laboratory tours and hands-on activities.
• Supporting laboratory and field-based educational experiences.
• Coordinating and utilizing interactive tools such as the Augmented Reality Sandbox.
• Traveling occasionally to off-campus locations for scientific and educational activities.

What We're Looking For

• Strong technical skills in laboratory analysis and instrumentation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality assurance and safety standards.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Enthusiasm for engaging with students and community audiences in an educational setting.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Minimum Experience/Education:
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be willing to travel to collect water samples, and for scientific and educational activities.
• Travel and work will sometimes include evenings, weekends, and extended days.
• Must have excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and record-keeping.
• Proficiency in Excel.
• Working knowledge of Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Standard Operating Procedure documents.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Must be willing to travel to collect water samples, and for scientific and educational activities.
• Must have excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and record-keeping.
• Working knowledge of Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Standard Operating Procedure documents.
• Proficiency in Excel.
• Experience in an analytical laboratory setting.

Required license or certification:

• Valid Driver's License and the ability to obtain and NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.

Position Number: 00108866

AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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