Laboratory Technician

The Environmental Biogeochemistry and Paleolimnology Lab at Utah State University is seeking a laboratory technician. Our group researches the effect of climate change and direct anthropogenic disturbances on aquatic and other terrestrial ecosystems. We analyze water sediment soil organisms and atmospheric dust samples for elemental composition ().

This position is for an NSF-supported project examining the composition of dust fall through canopies. The technician may also assist with other projects and work with associated faculty and their students in the Quinney College of Natural Resources who require the use of the facilities. The technician will also have the opportunity to engage in research through fieldwork analyses and manuscript preparation.

The position has a start date of February 1 2026 and will be initially for one year as a wage-hourly with the possibility of becoming salaried and benefitted after one your cover letter please indicate why you are interested in the position are a good fit and how your experience meets the desired required and preferred qualifications.

Salary is commensurate with experience (20 - 28$/hr).

• Learn to use laboratory and field instrumentation to assist students and postdocs.
• Operate instruments in the lab including a FIALyzer Lachat FIA/IC Skalar TOC/TN Spectrophotometers and FTIR.
• Train students on methods used in the lab and the field.
• Ensure safety standards are met and students are operating to code and maintain an inventory of laboratory supplies/consumables.
• Assist with field research activities.
• Actively participate in research activities including method development lab meetings workshops and seminars.
• Manage the use of the facilities by external faculty and students.

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates must have at least a B.S. or M.S. in biogeochemistry chemistry geosciences ecology environmental sciences or a closely related discipline.
• Analytical laboratory experience in the biogeosciences is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with wet lab and clean techniques QAQC procedures and specifically familiarity with some of the following Flow-Injection Analyses Ion Chromatography Spectrophotometry Fluorometry Gas Chromatography FTIR and soil digestion methods.
• Experience with fieldwork.

Knowledge Skill Abilities

• Openness to constructive feedback.
• An ability to communicate concerns questions.
• Timeliness reliability and an ability to follow details protocols.
• Attention to detail.

Along with the online application please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under Resume/CV

2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Will work in a wet chemistry lab environment. Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants but not necessarily occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions. Employees may be exposed to unusual elements including extreme temperatures dust fumes smoke unpleasant odors and/or loud noises. Outdoors incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Additionally indoor or outdoor work environments may include being confined or in narrow spaces for periods of time.

The Department of Watershed Sciences is a powerhouse in the science of wet ecosystems including rivers lakes wetlands reservoirs and the watersheds that feed them. We are deeply committed to making that science useful for wise planning management and restoration and are well-positioned to study and solve complex interdisciplinary problems with our cadre of ecologists hydrologists geomorphologists biogeochemists and others.

As one of the most productive research entities at Utah State University we are engaged in a wide variety of fundamental and applied projects. Our research spans some of the most remote and wildest parts of the world to densely populated urban areas. While much of our research is focused on specific watershed systems we are informing policy and management at the scale of some of the largest and most charismatic resources in the world including the Mississippi Columbia and Colorado rivers the Mekong Delta and the Great Barrier Reef. Some of the big questions that cut across our research groups include:

• How do climate geomorphology biogeochemistry and hydrology interact to influence biodiversity and species interactions at different spatial scales
• How is global climate and environmental change manifesting at regional and local scales What are the implications for water availability aquatic biodiversity and
• species interactions water quality and recreation
• How have humans modified water sediment and nutrient dynamics How do specific policy and management practices affect ecosystem health and resilience
• How can we most effectively and sustainably restore the structure and function of lake wetland stream and riverscape ecosystems

We have a very supportive and inclusive culture in the department. Diversity enhances our research teaching and outreach contributions by infusing our community with a variety of ways to understand the world identify challenges and deliver solutions. We welcome opportunities to engage with traditional knowledge and we continually strive to provide a safe environment that is open to all. We support and seek to live out Utah State Universitys statements on Non-discrimination and Land Acknowledgement.

About Logan:
Logan Utah is situated at the foot of the picturesque and easily accessible Bear River Mountain Range just across from the rugged Wellsville Mountains about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. Logan is consistently ranked among the safest small cities in America and outstanding recreational opportunities abound in the nearby mountains. We are also just a few hours away from the red rock country of southern Utah the wild Uinta and Wind River ranges the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. The view outside our windows reminds us daily of our charge to better understand and conserve our natural resources.

Founded in 1888 Utah State University is Utahs premier land-grant public service university. As an R1 research institution Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local regional and global communities. USU prepares students to be active civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education USU remains a leader in research discovery and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29800 students both online and in person atlocations throughout the state.Utah States 30 locations include a main campus in Logan Utah residential campuses in Price and Blanding and six additional statewide campuses along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season.The Aggies long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in womens volleyball three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in womens soccer conference championships and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics reflecting USUs commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected valued and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit hire and retain people from all walks of life who willchampion excellence in education research discovery outreach and believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be recognized our commitment to employees when they namedUtah State the best employer in Utahin 2023.Learn moreabout USU.

The university provides aDual Career Assistance Programto support careers for partners who are also seeking is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability contact the universitys ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at or.

*updated 12/2025

In its programs and activities including in admissions and employment Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment based on race color religion sex national origin age genetic information sexual orientation gender identity disability status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by University policy Title IX or any other federal state or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring promotion transfer or termination based on race color religion sex national origin age genetic information sexual orientation gender identity disability status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal state or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race color religion sex familial status disability national origin source of income sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USUs non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination please visit or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

*updated 10/2025