Research Lab Technician

Fredericksburg / Highland Lakes

40592BR

Plant and Soil Science

Position Description

Performs highly skilled mechanical and/or analytical duties lead position in the coordination and completion of projects in a research lab or program. May supervises subordinate employees. Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all employees.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the Department and/or College

The Department of Plant and Soil Science at TTU in Fredericksburg offers continuing education programs in Viticulture (grape production), Wine Making, and Small Farm Horticulture (production of fruits, vegetables and ornamentals for local markets). On Texas Tech's campus in Lubbock, the Department of Plant and Soil Science is a comprehensive academic unit conducting research and offering coursework and programs in several areas of plant and soil sciences. There are 26 full-time faculty members and a student body consisting of approximately 130 undergraduate and 120 graduate students. B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. level degrees are offered in Plant and Soil Science. Additionally, distance education courses and four certificate programs are offered. The department is research-intensive, while fostering strong teaching expectations and commitments. Students in the department are educated to meet the challenge of using soil, water, and plant resources for sustainable production and environmental quality.

Major/Essential Functions

* Receive/ pick up samples for processing
* Prepare samples for analysis
* Analyze samples utilizing both common and technical wine industry methods
* Organize and manage customers data and analysis results
* Organize and manage research data and results
* Calibrate and maintain all equipment and analyzers
* Keep organized records of all lab activities
* Maintain cleanliness of laboratory and equipment
* Inventory and purchasing of lab supplies
* Assist with hands-on enology and viticulture courses
* Assist with research grape growing, wine production, analysis, and data collection
* Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and two years experience; or a combination of education and/or related experience to equal six years.

Preferred Qualifications

* Must be competent in all basic laboratory practices
* Experience conducting the following analysis for grapes and wine (or ability to learn): sulfur dioxide, volatile acidity, ethanol, pH, manual and automated titration, enzymatic analyses, color, phenolics, heat and tartrate stability
* Experience utilizing the following types of analytical tools: UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Sequential Analyzer, GC-MS, densitometer, FTIR
* Must be highly organized
* Highly skilled in Microsoft office suite of programs
* Must have ability to learn a variety of computer software programs
* Have excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate in English
* Have excellent attention to detail
* Eagerness to learn
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, faculty, and the public.
* Must comply with all university regulations and operating policies
* Must be authorized for employment in the United States.
* Must be able to drive university vehicles

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Questions should be directed to Maureen Qualia, Search Committee Chair, Texas Tech University at Fredericksburg, 146 Jenschke Lane, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, Phone (806) 834-4780; email: maureen.qualia@ttu.edu. Review of applications will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV, Transcript

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Minimum Hire Rate

4000

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Shift

Day

Grant Funded?

No

Job Group

Research Technicians

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.