Research Technician- Sample Preparator

74033BR

Campus: Tempe

Research Technician

Job Description

The Arizona State University (ASU) School of Life Sciences is seeking a Sample Preparator (Research Technician) for the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Biorepository. NEON is expected to run for 30 years. For each project year, the NEON Biorepository at ASU will receive, process, store, and make available for research an average of 100,000 samples from more than 80 sites across the United States. We will facilitate this by creating a data portal to support discovery and tracking of sample occurrences and sample data linkages, sample transactions, and research use.

The NEON Sample Preparator will make critical contributions to the project through a variety of curatorial support and sample or specimen preparation and data publication tasks; focused mainly but not exclusively on mammal study skin and alcohol preparations and specimen digitization (~90%); and herbarium voucher preparations and digitization (~10%). The position therefore requires a relatively broad scope of research collection and sample preparation and data publication skills. Critical skills will revolve around preparing (small) mammal skins, skulls, skeletons, tissues, organs, and other partial samples, taking standard measurements, and other procedures that will maximize the long-term suitability of these NEON samples for varied research purposes.

Candidates who consider themselves well experienced or highly motivated to acquire these skills and hence complement the existing strengths of the NEON Biorepository team, are strongly encouraged to apply. An ability to develop new data products to leverage the research potential of NEON Biorepository samples with the greater community is highly desired.

The position is located in ASU's newly renovated Biocollections (Alameda Building), located 2 miles southwest of the main Tempe campus. In addition to housing nine natural history collections, the NEON Biorepository, and affiliated personnel, the facility includes spaces dedicated to student training and public education.

This is a grant funded position. Twenty months of funding are available; funding beyond this period will depend on successful continuation of the project and further support for this position.

Job Family

Research & Laboratory

Department Name

Sols Administration & Faculty

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Grant Funded Position

This is a grant funded position. Continuation is contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

$20.00 per hour

Close Date

21-December-2021

Essential Duties

The Sample Preparator will work under the direct supervision of the NEON Environmental and Zoological Collections Manager and in close collaboration with informaticians, other collection managers, researchers, and students affiliated with the NEON Biorepository. The selected candidate will focus mainly on preparing whole, small mammal NEON specimens – each year approximately 350 specimens as study skins with skulls and 500 specimens for ethanol preservation. The former preparation method also requires maintenance of an in-house dermestid beetle colony. As time and needs indicate, they will also contribute to the preparation and digitization of terrestrial and aquatic vascular plant specimens (herbarium sheets and packets). Regular duties related to these tasks may include: physical transfer of collection objects into the NEON Biorepository sample infrastructure; maintenance of the collection organization; shared oversight of best practices; loan activities; improvement of research-relevant information; standard-compliant sample/specimen digitization and imaging, with dissemination via the NEON Biorepository data portal; joint training of undergraduate students and volunteers; and participation in direct or social media-based outreach activities. The production of value-added resources and other openly accessible biodiversity data products for NEON Biorepository samples will be strongly encouraged.

Although a large component of the position will be driven by daily sample preparation and digitization tasks, we will encourage and support the candidate's professional development in collection-based research and leadership broadly defined.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Four years research experience appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• Evidence of a Graduate degree with specialization in general and/or zoological (in-/vertebrate) collection curation and sample preparation (minimally two years).
• Well-documented experience in the standard-compliant digitization (databasing, imaging) of zoological and botanical research collections is highly desired.
• Knowledge of specific software platforms, and other relevant training, should be clearly stated in the application (with reference to publicly available products where suitable).
• Evidence of interpersonal skills and enthusiasm towards mentoring and outreach – including suitable social media – are preferred.

Working Environment

• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse
• Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work 
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds  
• Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts
• Communicate to perform essential functions
• Regular use of standard office equipment including, but not limited to: computer workstation/laptop (keyboard, monitor, mouse), printer, fax, calculator, copier, telephone and associated computer/technology peripherals
• This position receives regular review of objectives by department administrator

Department Statement

The School of Life Sciences (SOLS) has provided a vital hub for creative excellence at Arizona State University, with more than 670 faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and staff, and research that ranges from studies on biodiesel and biohydrogen to vaccine development and the conservation of whales. As ASU’s first academic unit to fully reflect President Michael Crow’s integrated, interdisciplinary vision for the New American University, the School of Life Sciences offers active and evolving platforms for collaborative, cutting-edge research and faculty whose discovery is freed from traditional institutional boundaries.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements - Under the recent executive order issued by President Biden requiring all employees of federal contractors to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, ASU expects all employees, including new hires, to be vaccinated unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation. Proof of vaccination will be required by January 4, 2022. For questions about medical or religious accommodations, please visit the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s https://cfo.asu.edu/DEI and see “Workplace accommodations”.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume and Cover Letter should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.