Laboratory Technician

Overview

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 (https://janicebrahney.weebly.com).

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 year. In 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).

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

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.

Required Documents

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.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience

ADA

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. 

College/Department Highlights

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 University’s 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.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s 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 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 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 women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's 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 will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected]. 

*updated 12/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination

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 USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Matthew Pinner

Executive Director

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

[email protected]

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Cody Carmichael

Title IX Coordinator

[email protected]

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 10/2025