Research Specialist

105558BR

Campus: Tempe

Research Specialist

Job Description

The Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research Program (CAP LTER) and the Ball Lab at Arizona State University seek a research specialist to join the lab, which focuses on the impacts of human activities on soil biology and biogeochemistry. This position will be primarily focused on assisting with the ongoing research projects associated with CAP LTER, which has been funded by the National Science Foundation since 1997 to study the urban ecology of the greater Phoenix region and surrounding desert. This Research Specialist will perform a wide variety of standard field and laboratory experimental procedures associated with CAP LTER long-term projects such as the DesFert experiment and the Ecological Survey of Central Arizona. Duties will include, but not be limited to, maintenance of field sites and collection of field samples; operation of laboratory equipment used to analyze soil biogeochemistry; microscopy to investigate soil biological communities, and QA/QC of ecological data. As time permits, the Research Specialist will also contribute to other Ball Lab research projects in a variety of ‘extreme’ ecosystems, including a global focus on both hot deserts and polar regions. This Research Specialist will also assist with mentoring undergraduate student researchers.

Job Family

Research & Laboratory

Department Name

CAP LTER

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

VP Code

KNOWLEDGE ENTERPRISE DEV

Scope of Search

Open

Grant Funded Position

This is a grant funded position. Continuation is contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

$42,000-$45,000 per year; DOE

Close Date

07-November- 2024

Category

02

Essential Duties

• Conducting ecological field and laboratory experimental procedures, including troubleshooting equipment and methods;
• Operating laboratory and experimental equipment such as various environmental sensors and gas flux equipment, with ability to make minor repairs and to coordinate arrangements for major repairs when needed;
• Creating and managing databases for studies which includes setting up databases, metadata, and associated data entry programs and retrieving data from database for purposes of analyses or data review.
• Compiling and quality-checking data; submitting data to CAP LTER Information Manager;
• Maintaining safety protocols in the lab and field;
• Supervise, monitor, and coordinate work of student researchers;
• Microscopy to identify and enumerate soil microbes and invertebrates;
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in sometimes adverse conditions; ability to carry equipment and field supplies up to 50 pounds;
• Possessing a valid driver’s license and having the ability to drive an off-road vehicle;
• Working well both independently and as part of a team;
• Proficiency with standard computer platforms and software;
• Assisting with the mentoring of undergraduate student research projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND two years related research experience; OR, Six years research experience appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with ecological and/or soil field and laboratory experimental procedures, equipment, and safety protocols;
• Experience handling data and managing databases;
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in sometimes adverse conditions; ability to carry equipment and field supplies up to 50 pounds;
• Possessing a valid driver’s license;
• Evidence of working well both independently and as part of a team;
• Experience training or mentoring new team members;
• Experience with standard computer platforms and software.

Working Environment

ASU is an inclusive enterprise with a wide variety of work and learning modes, locations, and a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and employee work-life balance. We are determined to maintain our position as an employer of choice in a competitive labor market, as such the following options may be offered dependent on department needs:

Flexible work options:

• Alternative work schedules can include four, 10-hour workdays in a workweek; a nine-day, 80-hour schedule over two workweeks for exempt employees only; and staggered start and stop times.

Standard Working Environment:

• Climate-controlled laboratory setting, including extended periods of both activity and sitting.
• Frequently detects and operates a computer and other laboratory equipment.
• Occasional fieldwork outdoors in sometimes adverse conditions, requiring the need to transport equipment and field supplies up to 50 pounds
• Ability to clearly communicate and exchange accurate information to perform essential duties.
• Expected to be responsive to coworkers, engaged in work production, resourceful, flexible, and respectful of others.

Department Statement

For the tenth year in a row, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all five years the category has existed.

ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. http://research.asu.edu/

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

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Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.