Laboratory Technician; Temporary

Requisition Id15809

This is a temporary 24-month position. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

We are seeking a Laboratory Technician who will focus on analytical and biological laboratory work. This position resides in the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Group in the Environmental Sciences Division, Biodiversity & Sustainable Systems Section, BESSD, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

• Receive, label, safely store, and process various samples (biota including fish and invertebrates, sediment, and water) for contamination and toxicity analysis.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Conduct routine tests and analytical procedures following strict standard operating procedures (SOPs), including performing mercury and methyl mercury analysis.
• Sterilize and maintain laboratory equipment and glassware; monitor supply levels and assist with ordering and organizing supplies.
• Conduct routine tasks, prepare supplies, and assist scientists with executing toxicology assays and experiments.
• Maintain laboratory cultures of standard test organisms such as algae and Daphnia for use in toxicology experiments, ensuring healthy conditions are met.
• Provide care for larger aquatic animals housed in laboratory aquaria following Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) protocols.
• Accurately record and maintain datasets, observations, and test results.
• Contribute figures, tables and text to monthly, periodic and annual reports.
• Occasional weekend work that is prescheduled on a rotating basis to monitor and feed live organisms in the laboratory.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

• An AS or BS in a relevant scientific or technical field such as biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering.
• Proficiency in core laboratory techniques (e.g., pipetting, measuring pH and other water chemistry parameters, preparing solutions, weighing).
• Familiarity with relevant analytical instrumentation and software.
• Strong computer skills for data entry, analysis (e.g., Excel), and report writing.
• Ability to follow precise instructions.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods.

• Previous hands-on laboratory experience, potentially gained through coursework, internships, or prior employment, is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience working with live organisms, especially plankton.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

• Visa Sponsorship:
  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• There is no relocation assistance provided for this position.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required.
• Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment.

These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into…