Assistant Specialist in Soil & Isotope Biogeochemistry
Position overview
Position title: Assistant Specialist in Soil & Isotope Biogeochemistry, Step 1Application Window
Open date: April 15, 2024
Next review date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.
Position description
The Ecosystem & Soil Microbial Processes Lab led by Dr. Pete Homyak in the Department of Environmental Sciences at UC-Riverside is accepting applications for a laboratory technician. Candidates must have a B.S. (minimum requirement) and/or M.S. degree in soil science, soil microbiology, environmental science, ecology, or a closely related discipline.
Required qualifications include: demonstrated proficiency running the bacterial denitrifier method for the isotopic determination of δ15N and δ18O of nitrate, proficiency operating a Costech EA for the isotopic determination of δ13C and δ15N of solids, proficiency running and maintaining a Delta V mass spectrometer, proficiency working with and deploying ISCO automated samplers, proficiency measuring soil extracellular enzymes, soil density fractionation, PyOM, soil extractable nutrients (NH4+, NO3-, NO2-), and soil microbial biomass C and N.
We research how soil microbial and abiotic processes control the exchange of elements such as N, P, and C across the soil–water–atmosphere interfaces to infer how anthropogenic disturbances and changes in global climate may alter ecosystem biogeochemistry and function. Several field projects are ongoing in sites along an elevation gradient in the Sierra Nevada, in several chaparral sites along an atmospheric nitrogen deposition gradient, in a rainfall manipulation experiment in a Pinyon-Juniper woodland, and in recently burned chaparral sites across California. We use several novel tools including a δ13C-CO2/CH4 and N2O isotopomer trace gas analyzers, LI-COR automated soil flux chambers, and instruments in FIRMS and the ESRL.
Job responsibilities include:
• Assist with research activities in the lab and field including projects led by students and postdocs.
Coordinate the work of undergraduate research assistants.
• Learn to use laboratory instrumentation and field tools and assist with student training and sample processing and analysis.
• Train students on methods used in the lab.
• Maintain adequate inventory of laboratory supplies/consumables and oversight of laboratory safety. Operate instrumentation in the lab, FIRMS, and ESRL to process lab samples.
• Actively participate in research activities including seminars, workshops, and lab meetings.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a B.S. (minimum requirement) and/or M.S. degree in soil science, soil microbiology, environmental science, ecology, or a closely related discipline. Minimum required qualifications include: demonstrated proficiency running the bacterial denitrifier method for the isotopic determination of δ15N and δ18O of nitrate, proficiency operating a Costech EA for the isotopic determination of δ13C and δ15N of solids, proficiency running and maintaining a Delta V mass spectrometer, proficiency working with and deploying ISCO automated samplers, proficiency measuring soil extracellular enzymes, soil density fractionation, PyOM, soil extractable nutrients (NH4+, NO3-, NO2-), and soil microbial biomass C and N.
N/A
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence - In a “Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence”, we ask applicants to describe their past and/or potential future contributions to promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, which is a key requirement of the role of every faculty member and administrator at UCR. There are numerous ways to contribute, and a commitment to this part of our mission can be reflected through research, teaching, supervision, mentoring, community engagement, service, and any of the other varied activities that are a part of an academic career.
- 3 required (contact information only)
Please provide the contact information for a minimum of two references. You may request that your referees provide their letters (via AP Recruit) at the time of application (recommended). Upon review of applications, if the Search Committee wishes to review your reference letters and they are not already uploaded, they will reach out to your references via AP Recruit.
Help contact: ashley.lawson@ucr.edu
About UC Riverside
The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.