SODCO Chemistry Technician

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

1d

About The Position

The Scientific Ocean Drilling Coordinating Office (SODCO) Chemistry Technician will carry out duties related to the maintenance, oversight, and mobilization of chemistry and microbiology instrumentation for Mission Specific Platforms (MSP). This includes that the laboratory containers and chemical analytical equipment for MSPs are maintained, repaired, and readied for seagoing cruises; assists with ordering and receiving supplies and maintaining a supply inventory; assisting in mobilization and demobilization efforts; and sailing as Chemistry Marine Technician to assist with the operation of instrumentation at sea. Typical instrumentation will include gas chromatographs, ion chromatographs, and alkalinity and chlorinity titrators.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Four years of relevant professional experience in working with chemical analytical equipment. An advanced degree will reduce experience requirements: two years of relevant professional experience with a Master’s degree or the completion of a PhD.
• Obtain and hold a passport and appropriate travel visas on a continuing basis.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, multitask, and to lead a team.
• Must be able to work cooperatively and communicate effectively, demonstrating excellent teamwork, leadership, and displaying a service-oriented attitude in all interactions.
• Ensures strong team approach to service deliverables through routine team building, training, and interactions.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science, Chemistry, or relevant field.
• Working operational knowledge of geologic laboratory facilities, including operation and maintenance of instrumentation related to measuring geologic core physical properties, geochemistry, microbiologic sample handling, and microscopy.
• Experience with logistics.
• Experience in design, construction, and/or installation of scientific equipment.
• Experience with scientific ocean drilling and working in shipboard laboratories.

Responsibilities

• SODCO Chemistry Lab Support - Responsible for providing technical and analytical support for chemistry and microbiological equipment for MSPs. Will provide technical support at sea as a Marine Technician, training scientists, overseeing lab safety requirements, and assisting with measurements. Ensure that scientists are following proper safety measurement protocols. Between expeditions, ensure chemistry and microbiology containers and their infrastructure and installed support equipment are maintained, repaired, and readied for the next expedition. Maintain accurate documentation on all chemistry and microbiological equipment. Work with the SODCO expedition project team and GCR management to ensure analytical requirements and related equipment and supplies are defined and ready for shipping deadlines.
• SODCO Mobilization and Logistical Support - Responsible for assisting in SODCO mobilization and demobilization activities and specifically overseeing these tasks for chemistry and microbiology equipment. Includes mobilization of instrumentation from the GCR to containers and then demobilized at the end of the expedition.
• SODCO General Lab Support - Assist with other SODCO laboratory equipment maintenance under the direction of the Technical Support Supervisor. Participate in SODCO projects related to instrument and software development/enhancement.
• Supply Management - Responsible for overseeing lab-specific supplies for each expedition and assist in maintaining a property database of the laboratory instruments and equipment, including their location. Assist with supply ordering and receiving.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level