Full-time Research Technician Opening – University of Illinois

*FIELD AND LAB SPECIALIST, Job Ref: 128766*

The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at the

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign seeks a *full time technician

in the DeLucia lab* (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.life.illinois.edu%2Fdelucia%2Findex.htm&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C605a28f327f64c9cca0408d7b524c017%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637177041783908603&sdata=6KD0Dfd3%2ByLUGeNWLxCJ7V3n4vo1TFFlTBe5zB3%2BhgI%3D&reserved=0).

This is a 12-month non-tenure-track Academic Professional position, and

can be renewed annually for an additional year, contingent on progress,

and the availability of funds. The overall goal of the project is to

investigate whether adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing can increase

the delivery of regulating services from grazed pastures used for

livestock production compared to the “business as usual” continuous

grazing (CG). Our objectives are to: (1) Characterize the impact of AMP

on the regulation of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs; CO2, CH4 and N2O) versus CG

management; (2) Quantify the efficiency at which pastures under AMP and

CG use water; and, (3) Understand the mechanisms by which grazing

management strategies affect CO2, CH4 and N2O and H2O fluxes from

pastures. This project is part of a multi-partner effort that helps

understand how grazing strategies affect farm resiliency, carbon

sequestration, soil diversity, animal wellbeing and productivity.

Partners include Arizona State University, Michigan State University,

Texas A&M University, Rice University, Colorado State University,

University of Exeter, and Carbon Nation.  The successful candidate will

conduct field work, laboratory experiments, and data processing and

analysis to characterize the impact of adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) on

the regulation of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs; CO2, CH4 and N2O) versus

continuous grazing (CG) management; to quantify the efficiency at which

pastures under AMP and CG use water; and; to understand the mechanisms

by which grazing management strategies affect CO2, CH4 and N2O and H2O

fluxes from pastures

*MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*

Establish and maintain eddy covariance towers and sampling of field

experiments on working farms in Alabama and Tennessee, U.S.A.  Extensive

travel to field sites will be required. Process data including data

generated from the eddy covariance towers; analyze soil, gas, and plant

samples. Prepare field supplies; maintain field instrumentation related

to this project (including canopy and soil chambers). Independently lead

scientific field research including survey design and implementation;

supervision, tasking and scheduling of staff; and maintaining

appropriate staffing levels to ensure project success. Purchase and

receive scientific supplies, maintaining an adequate level to support

project deliverables.  Assist with data compilation and analysis.

*QUALIFICATIONS*

/Education:/

Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or related field.

Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on depth

and breadth of experience and skills as related to this position.

/Experience: /

Required:   At least six months’ supervisory experience. Research

experience in the laboratory and/or field.  Preferred: Research

experience in the field and in the laboratory related to biogeochemistry

(e.g., trace gas flux measurements, soil sampling, gas chromatography,

eddy covariance); experience working on farms and with farmers.

Experience using various statistical programs.

/Training, Licenses or Certifications: /

Required:   A valid driver’s license is required due to traveling to

research sites throughout the U.S.

/Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: /

Ability to work effectively as both a team member/leader and

independently with minimal supervision. Basic computer skills (MS Word,

Excel). Ability to plan and coordinate research activities. Effective

communication, organizational, personal relations, and leadership

skills. Ability to travel to research sites throughout the U.S. for

short sampling campaigns. Prefer the ability to carry out statistical

analyses.

/Environmental Demands: /

Ability to work long days in the field under hot and humid conditions.

/Salary:/ Commensurate with experience and qualifications

*Applications must be received by February 28, 2020*. To apply, all

candidates must submit an online profile through

https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjobs.illinois.edu&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C605a28f327f64c9cca0408d7b524c017%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637177041783908603&sdata=CA3ymPLwS%2FzqBw%2BZ9bwSuajE9YYa1QrdPiikyP%2BxqSs%3D&reserved=0 (Job Ref: 128766) by the close of the posting

period. The starting date is flexible as soon as April 1st. Qualified

candidates must upload a letter that details qualifications noted above,

resume, and the names and contact information of three professional

references.  All requested information must be submitted for your

application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

For information about the position, please contact: Dr. Nuria

Gomez-Casanovas, ngomezca@igb.illinois

The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas

and by Dr. Evan H. DeLucia.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all

job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action

employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities

are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit

https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgo.illinois.edu%2FEEO&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C605a28f327f64c9cca0408d7b524c017%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637177041783908603&sdata=6vPN1kR9picDGGG5XPz3PDxOaSXVtRdrcemHHV7d%2F6w%3D&reserved=0. To learn more about the University’s

commitment to diversity, please visit

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