Research Laboratory & Field Coordinator

Institute of Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

RESEARCH LABORATORY & FIELD COORDINATOR

The Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is seeking a Research Laboratory & Field Coordinator who can manage and supervise a specific research theme in the laboratory for Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI), a multi-million dollar Bioenergy Research Center funded by DOE.

Major Duties & Responsibilities: Develop and implement standard operating procedures and protocols for plant sampling. Train lab members on various plant analysis techniques; supervise hourly employees including task assignment, scheduling, leave/travel approval, and mentoring. Manage lab inventory, including the proper use, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals. Maintain a safe working environment by ensuring appropriate training of all staff and upkeep of training records. Ensure field safety protocols are followed by all team members. Coordinate the effort of field technicians to ensure timely and safe project completion, and confirm resources for field research are available (i.e. vehicles, equipment, etc). Oversee sample and data collection, as well as sample processing and analysis ensuring quality control/quality assurance of data. Confirm appropriate maintenance and usage of lab and field equipment, including scheduling of equipment maintenance and calibration. Organize regular lab meetings to discuss ongoing progress within the program, address any issues that arise, and verify all staff members are appropriately engaged in project assignments.

Position Requirements and Qualifications: Education - Required: Bachelor's degree in appropriate discipline.

Experience - Required: Previous experience of 2+ years post degree in lab research work. Experience with lab analysis of plant tissue, field instrumentation, and image analysis sensors. Supervisory experience.  Preferred: Gas exchange training, datalogger wiring, and proximal sensing platforms. Previous supervisory experience.

Training, Licenses or Certifications -  Required: Must possess a valid driver's license. Preferred: First Aid/CPR certified, UAS (drone) pilot's license, formal training on leaf gas exchange measurement systems.

Knowledge Requirements - Required: Must have a working knowledge of plant biology, taxonomy, or related area. Data management skills and familiarity with relevant software, including data graphing and analysis. Must be willing and able to work under adverse field conditions (e.g. heat, humidity, biting insects, etc), travel throughout the state, lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, and work irregular hours including overnight trips within the state. Attention to detail and good organizational skills in order to keep accurate and up-to-date records. Must have the ability to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships with co-workers, scientific staff and agency personnel.  Supervisory skills.

Proposed start date: As soon as possible.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Appointment Status: Full-time academic professional appointment. Qualified individuals will be eligible to receive vacation, sick, and personal leave; retirement through the State Universities Retirement System; and group health, dental, vision and life insurance.

For full consideration, applications must be received by December 4, 2017. Search will remain open until qualified candidate is identified. Interviews may be conducted prior to search closing date, but hiring decision will not be made until after the closing date.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.