Research Technician

Job Summary

Drexel University's Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science (BEES) Department invites applications for an ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry technician to join Dr. Shelby Rinehart's Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functions Lab. The technician will also collaborate extensively with the Biogeochemistry Section, including Drs. Tim McGuire, Michelle Gannon, and David Velinsky, in the Academy of Natural Science's Patrick Center for Environmental Research.

Essential Functions

• Lead the development and implementation of SOPs for greenhouse gas emissions sampling across diverse habitats, including tidal wetlands.
• Maintain laboratory gas flux analyzers and other key biogeochemical equipment.
• Lead the processing of elemental and isotopic samples (solid & liquid) using shared IRMS equipment on Drexel's main campus and at the Academy of Natural Sciences.
• Collaborate on and lead field research collecting invertebrate, plant, microbial, and sediment samples to assess biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships in coastal habitats.
• Collaborate with students to develop and implement protocols to assess contaminants and toxins in coastal sediments.
• Mentor students on aspects of ecosystem ecology and assessment of soil carbon dynamics.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in environmental Science or related field (e.g., Ecology, Biology, Geology, Biogeochemistry)
  
  
  
  • Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.
  
  
  
  
• Minimum of a year's experience in environmental science.
• Experience maintaining and collecting samples using a LICOR (or similar) gas flux analyzer.
• Experience with, or interest in, learning how to operate Isotope Mass Spectrometers and similar equipment.
• Experience conducting field research
• Valid Driver's license (U.S.A) or ability to obtain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience co-authoring publications for peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with C13 and N15 tracer experiments.
• Experience processing sediment and plant samples, including root trait data.
• Interest in sediment toxins and pollutants, such as microplastics.
• Experience with data analysis and management in R.

Physical Requirements

• Typically sitting at a desk/table.
• Typically standing, walking.
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping.
• Lifting demands 50lbs.

Location

• University City, Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as non exempt grade F. Compensation for this grade ranges from $14.10 to $21.15 per hour . Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

We encourage you to explore Drexel's Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on our compensation framework.

You can also find valuable information about our benefits in the Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.