Laboratory and Field Technician; Laboratory Research Assistant

Overview

INDIANA GEOLOGICAL & WATER SUR (UA-GEOY-IUBLA)

The Survey is charged with conducting geological research; providing geological information, data, and educational outreach; and maintaining physical and digital geological collections. The Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGSW) is a long‑standing, state‑supported organization benefiting the welfare of the citizens of Indiana since 1837, when Dr. David Dale Owen was hired to conduct a geological assessment of the state. The Survey has been associated with Indiana University (IU) for most of the 20th century and was formally established as part of the university through Indiana statute (IC 21‑47‑2) in 1993.

In 2022, the state legislature established the IGWS Center for Water (IC 21‑47‑2‑7) and Center for Energy (IC 21‑47‑2‑8) to support long‑term studies of the state's natural water and energy resources.

• Coordinates and performs activities at field sites in Indiana and in multiple laboratories related to the study of Indiana geology. Supports the fieldwork, collections, and laboratory and instrument needs of multiple research projects as qualified by knowledge and experience.
• Provides expertise for temporary staff and students engaged in research activities. May respond to service requests from the public, government agencies, industry, and academia related to the laboratory activities.
• Assists field and laboratory personnel including researchers, office staff, technologists, supervisors, and laboratory managers in completing testing and data collection.
• Manages field and laboratory equipment and tools essential to the function of everyday activities in the field and IGWS materials testing facility and other properties.
• Initiates, monitors, completes, and reports routine to moderately complex research studies in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.

• Responsible for the initiation, monitoring, completion, and reporting of routine to moderately complex research studies.
• Organizes and implements data review and analysis.
• Oversees the proper handling of laboratory specimens including processes, shipping, storage, and documentation and transfer to designated central laboratories.
• Conducts data quality assurance practices.
• Prepares research summaries and assists in progress report development.
• Maintains laboratory work areas and supply inventory.

• Bachelor's degree in science or health‑related discipline.

• Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience.
• Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

• Some laboratory experience.
• Experience in field data collection and laboratory experiments.

• Valid driver's license with the ability to be insured by Indiana University.

• Proficient communication skills.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Highly thorough and dependable.

• Specific experiences using geophysical logging equipment, Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio Analysis (HVSRs), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and the methods and equipment for dry and wet chemistry, mineral separation, and physical properties testing.
• Demonstrates ability to operate field and laboratory instrumentation, coordinate field and laboratory activities, and assemble and synthesize results to principal investigators.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to be well organized.
• Direct and supervise part time staff.
• Ability to interact with technology and software.

The role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with…