We’re on the hunt for a lab manager/senior lab technician to take on a variety of key tasks in the Bowman Lab. The position is being advertised at the Staff Research Associate II level and the ideal applicant will have an MS in a relevant field, or a BS and equivalent experience. We are looking for someone with complementary skills to the rest of the lab; the ideal applicant would have a background in environmental or analytical chemistry to complement our core expertise in microbiology. However, a background in the life sciences also works fine. The formal job posting is pasted below (note that it deviates slightly from what’s described here due to limitations of the UC San Diego HR system).
DESCRIPTION
Under supervision, independently perform a variety of standard laboratory and data analysis procedures (and some non-standard procedures) related to the function of coastal ocean environments. Coordinates and conducts instrument calibrations and data collection for long-term time-series of microbial community structure, microbial abundance, and dissolved gases. Responsible for the operation and maintenance of a membrane inlet mass spectrometer, flow cytometer, and in situ imaging flow cytometer (IFCB), DNA extraction, data entry, and light programming in Python and R. Travel to field stations as needed, which may involve driving University vehicles and operating small boats for diving and coastal field work. Scuba dive to clean and service underwater instrumentation. Coordinate and communicate with lab members about supplies, data and sampling techniques. Oversee and work-direct undergraduate research assistants. Process, analyze, and interpret results from data sets, evaluate quality of data, generate and update design and method documentation, and update web pages. Perform general office duties including but not limited to filing, photocopying, faxing and library searches for research articles. Manage laboratory space, computers, and equipment.
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. in Chemistry, Marine Science, Oceanography, or equivalent combination of education and experience with a strong background in data analysis and computer operations.
- Demonstrated experience with diving and ability to acquire or maintain AAUS and SIO scientific diving certification.
- Demonstrated knowledge of mathematics, scientific, and programming principles.
- Demonstrated experience with R, Matlab, or Python programming languages for data analysis and visualization.
- Demonstrated laboratory experience. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with laboratory techniques and instrumentation, specifically flow cytometry and DNA extractions. Demonstrated experience with laboratory safety procedures and calibration techniques.
- Proven ability to work effectively on multiple tasks in parallel, with each requiring a different focus and level of detail and attention. Proven ability to prioritize tasks and solve problems.
- Demonstrated data entry and data analysis experience. Demonstrated experience with spreadsheets and/or databases for data entry, archival and basic data analysis using standard software (e.g., MS Excel, MS Access, Matlab, or other statistical software packages).
- Experience communicating and interacting with a variety of people from the public to governmental agencies, students and volunteers. Ability to effectively communicate instructions and interact using tact and diplomacy with diverse personalities including academic, staff, student and volunteer employees and institutions/organizations.
- Proven ability and experience using PCs, email, internet, general office tools and software.
- Tolerance of repetitive tasks such as data entry and checking, or extended periods in laboratory filtering samples or analyzing seawater samples via flow cytometry.
- Demonstrated ability to find and follow written and oral procedures from standard laboratory resources.
- Must be organized and a self-motivator with the ability to work efficiently while unsupervised.
- Proven ability to document significant results of data analysis in technical notes. Good writing skills. Ability to integrate data products and methodologies from laboratory and field instrumentation into research results for publication purposes.
- Proven ability to communicate with technical and scientific personnel. Ability to instruct and aid research associates and students on the use of software packages and data procedures/protocols.
- Ability to travel for days to weeks for field work and work extended hours as needed.
- Ability to drive University vehicles to field stations. Valid driver’s license.
- Proven ability to work with others under demanding conditions, sometimes for extended periods of time.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- Ability to work at sea. Must have demonstrated experience with SCUBA diving and ability to acquire and maintain AAUS and SIO scientific diving certification.
- Must have valid driver’s license and ability to drive University vehicles to field stations.
- Ability to travel for days to weeks for field work and work extended hours as needed.
- This position is subject to a DMV check for driving record. Fluency in Spanish is preferred.
