CHEMISTRY LAB MANAGER - SRA 4

Under the limited supervision of the TERC Director, plans long-term strategies and directs and leads day-to-day lab operations for the Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC). Research embraces the areas of limnology, hydrology, aquatic ecology, watershed and atmospheric sciences, and includes the long-term monitoring of Lake Tahoe and its watershed, as well as water bodies throughout the US and globally. As well as being an active participant in daily activities in the chemistry lab, the incumbent is responsible for managing the lab support requirements of projects, which includes assessing staffing and resource needs, scheduling, permitting, and adjusting schedules and staffing in response to changes in scheduling and competing needs from different projects. TERC includes graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, Staff Research Associates I-II-III-IV, Academic Federation research faculty, and Academic Senate faculty.

This position serves as Laboratory Manager for several thousand square feet of laboratories and research space in the 45,000 square foot Tahoe Center for the Environmental Sciences at Incline Village, Nevada and the Tahoe City Field Station (TCFS). The incumbent will have full responsibility for execution of research projects outlined by faculty; engage in difficult and complex research projects related to selection and/or design to achieve research objectives in management, decision-making, and social decision-making about natural resources. These duties include work in the laboratory and works on and oversees all data QA/QC and finalization. The incumbent is expected to exercise independent judgement, leadership, initiative, and resourcefulness in making decisions about research, methods, staffing, and field safety. The incumbent has the explicit authority of the Director to cancel any lab operations that he/she considers are an undue safety risk for any researchers, students or staff of the University.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• BS in a chemistry or a science or engineering degree with demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Extensive prior experience in project management.
• Extensive experience managing staff, balancing multiple priorities and interacting with research faculty and students.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills for research, technical and logistical challenges.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in preparing written reports and public presentations.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific topics in a manner that is clear to a lay audience.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or demonstrated experience in a related field.
• Extensive experience related to limnological or oceanographic research.
• Experience in lake water sampling and demonstrated experience at performing minor repairs to lab equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• 25% - Chemical Analyses
• 15% - QA/QC and Data Management
• 20% - Research and Fieldwork
• 30% - Leadership and Administration
• 10% - Public Outreach

Apply By Date August 5, 2025 at 11:59pm

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NON-UC STUDENT ASSISTANT 4 - CHEMISTRY LAB ASSISTANT

The Tahoe Environmental Research Center is recruiting for an undergraduate laboratory assistant. This position is located in Incline Village, NV. Under supervision, this position will be responsible for performing chemical analyses of lake, stream, soil, and other environmental samples associated with ongoing projects at Lake Tahoe and Clear Lake. Following TERC standard operating procedures, expectations for this position include sample storage and preparation; equipment maintenance and calibration; nutrient digestions, extractions, and colorimetric analyses; and safe shipping, handling, use, and disposal of hazardous chemicals. The lab assistant will be responsible for assisting with data management and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures. This position will be expected to work in collaboration with graduate students, technical staff and researchers associated with the Tahoe Environmental Research Center.

Specific lab duties include:

• Chemical analysis may include: ammonium, nitrate + nitrite, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, orthophosphate, total phosphorus, total hydrolysable phosphorus, particulate phosphorus, total inorganic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, chlorophyll, turbidity, & pH.
• Sediment nutrient digestions, extractions, and analyses for ash free dry weight and phosphorus and nitrogen content.
• Maintain and calibrate pipettes, balances, temperature of water baths, freezers, and refrigerators to ensure proper density and measurements of samples and standards for analysis.
• Safely store and maintain accurate records of samples, chemicals, standards, and standard reference materials.
• Draft and conduct chemistry runs based on holding time of samples.
• Validate methods by performing regular proficiency tests, making and using standard reference materials (SRMs), and calculating method detection limits, precision & accuracy.
• Properly clean glassware to prepare for chemistry runs and following chemistry runs.
• Assist with hazardous waste storage, disposal, and pickup. Adhere to all safety standards mandated by UC Davis.
• Properly store samples based on analysis required and discard samples following completion of chemistry and data finalization.

Specific data quality control issues include:

• Carry out QA/QC and finalization protocols on chemistry data regularly.
• Assist with general data management and reporting using TERC’s complex database management systems and software.
• Assist with data analysis and reporting on various projects such as the primary productivity study.
• Record data from equipment and enter data into TERC tracking software and database.
• Additional training will be provided on the job for specialized equipment, lab safety and field safety.
• The anticipated end date for this position is June 30, 2026 with the possibility of extension.
• Salary is $17/hour. May work up to 19.5 hours/week during academic year and 40 hours/week during breaks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be enrolled in a degree program while carrying at least six units at a two-year or four-year college.
• Completion of coursework in ecology, environmental chemistry, atmospheric sciences, and geosciences.
• Prior lab experience, either from courses or employment.
• Familiarity with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Integrity & communication skills.
• Ability to learn Quality Control (QC) procedures, safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals, decontamination procedures, and other laboratory skills.
• Familiarity with specific lab equipment, such as pipettes, graduated cylinders, volumetric flasks, balances, drying ovens, fume hoods and/or spectrophotometers.
• Experience with laboratory software to track samples and operate instruments.