Research Technician/Sr. Research Technician - Estuarine & Ocean Sciences

OFFICIAL JOB TITLE: Technical Associate

DIVISION: Academic Affairs

WORKING TITLE: Research Technician

DEPARTMENT: DEOS

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: AFT

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EEO STATUS: 35

JOB CODE: 1965

REPORTS TO: Prof. Miles A. Sundermeyer, Estuarine and Ocean Sciences, SMAST

SUPERVISES: Student research assistants.

SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The primary responsibility of the Marine Science and Technology Technical Associate is to assist students, faculty and other researchers with all aspects of carrying out marine related research, including: coordinating and conducting research operations, preparation/calibration/testing of research instrumentation in the laboratory, field and at-sea deployments, coordination of vessels and other field equipment, and other related field tasks. The Marine Science and Technology Technical Associate may also be responsible for data analysis, presenting results and assisting with grant proposal preparation and project administration.

Follows the University's best practices to build and/or support student academic success and retention, and assist in meeting strategic objectives for persistence and timely graduation of all the student population.

EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform marine and meteorological laboratory and field research under the supervision of a more senior researcher
• Assist with field program and experimental research design
• Assist and supervise student researchers
• Coordinate, oversee, manage and maintain experimental or computational equipment
• Analyze data, maintain records, including deployment logs, calibration logs, and/or laboratory notebooks
• Assist with all aspects of laboratory and field program operation including stocking and ordering equipment, supplies, cleaning and organizing, ensuring instruments are maintained and calibrations are up to date, coordination with other research personnel and other field planning tasks.
• Perform preliminary data analysis using proprietary instrument software, MATLAB, Python and/or other platforms
• Prepare presentation materials
• Assist with grant proposal preparation
• Assist with preparation of manuscripts and publications
• Assist with development, implementation and maintenance of web-based communications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION: Baccalaureate degree in a relevant field
• EXPERIENCE: Hands on experience in an area related to the research activity
• OTHER:
  
  
  
  • Ability and willingness to work irregular hours may be required
  • Must be a US citizen or have authorization to work in the United States
  
  
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

MS in oceanography, engineering, or related discipline. Fluency in MATLAB or PYTHON, 2 or more years of experience in marine and/or meteorological research field operations. Experience with fixed and mobile sensors, autonomous underwater systems, autonomous aerial systems, marine weather sensors, etc. Significant knowledge about marine and/or meteorological field operations. Understanding of coastal oceanographic processes and ocean and/or atmospheric turbulence. Familiarity with operating principles of oceanographic and/or atmospheric instrumentation, including conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sensors, acoustic doppler current profilers (ADCPs), uncrewed underwater systems (UUSs), uncrewed airborne systems (UASs), etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong communication skills and organizational ability
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to conduct experiments and/or perform computations
• Ability to assist, supervise and train student researchers and research staff
• Basic familiarity with principles of electronics
• Basic electrical fabrication skills, such as soldering, cable splicing, etc.
• Basic mechanical fabrication skills, including use of basic machine shop equipment, hand and/or power tools
• Ability to maintain, calibrate, operate and perform basic repair tasks on research equipment
• Ability to learn new laboratory and/or computational techniques and skills
• Ability to practice and promote safe, clean and secure laboratory and field practices
• Ability to assist and support senior researchers in various aspects of running a research enterprise
• Other as identified by the supervisor

To apply please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the contact information for three professional references.

The review of applications is ongoing.

NOTE: Other job-related duties and responsibilities may be assigned and/or the job description changed periodically to reflect changing organization needs.

SALARY: $46,800 - $56,000

UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:

• 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• State Pension Retirement Plan
• Optional Retirement Savings Plans
• Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
• Twelve (12) paid holidays
• And More!

Benefits for Faculty Federation

To apply please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and the contact information for three professional references.

The review of internal and external applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.