Student Laboratory Technician
POSITION: Student Laboratory Technician, Environmental Science Biogeochemistry Lab
LOCATION: U.S. Geological Survey, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA
Types of Services Required: The student will perform or assist with a range of laboratory tasks, including any of the following: cleaning laboratory glassware, sub-sampling of sediment and water samples, preparing / labeling bottles for various analyses, weighing samples, freeze drying samples, shipping / receiving, reagent preparation, instrumental analysis (e.g. spectrophotometry, extractions of specific target analytes) and data entry. In addition, there may be some limited opportunities to assist in the collection of field samples (sediment and water) from natural environments (e.g. wetlands, rivers, lakes and/or estuarine settings).
Required expertise/skills: Completion of one or more years of academic (college) course work (up to and including a Bachelor’s Degree) including the study of earth science disciplines; e.g. ecology, biology, chemistry, geology, microbiology, and/or biometry (statistics). Knowledge of biological and chemical principles and practices necessary to apply standard scientific techniques in the completion of assignments involving earth science studies. Knowledge of scientific disciplines related to the collection and interpretation of scientific data. Skill in analyzing scientific data sufficient for assisting in the collection, processing, and analyzing natural surface water and sediment samples. Knowledge of basic computer operations and standard software (e.g. Microsoft Excel). Must be a licensed driver, as operation of Government vehicles may be required.
Description of Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in the indoor laboratory setting, although some limited field work (sample collection) may be involved. Laboratory work may involve multiple hours of standing or sitting. Outdoor field settings may involve exposure to a range of weather and temperature conditions. Students may be required to carry field samples and/or equipment weighing 15 to 30 pounds.
Compensation: Compensation is commensurate with the level of education and experience: Range $19/hr to $24/hr (1 year of study up to completed BS/BA [within 1 year of graduation]).
Schedule: FLEXIBLE, Between 10 - 20 hrs/week during school semester; up to 40 hrs/week during school breaks. Start date is July 2025 with the opportunity to work through the fall and spring semesters.
To Apply: Send a cover letter and resume (curriculum vitae; including a list of relevant coursework taken. Relevant references are also encouraged) by May 20th, 2025.
NOTE: The awardee will need to register in the ‘System for Awards Management’ (SAM) program prior to final contracting of the position. Details to be provided upon final selection.