What are the responsibilities and job description for the Analytical Chemistry Technician position at Texas A&M AgriLife?
Job Title
Analytical Chemistry Technician
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department
Uvalde
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Uvalde, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
About Texas A&M AgriLife
Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
- Texas A&M Forest Service
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.
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Position Information
We are seeking an Analytical Chemistry Technician, under general supervision, evaluates, selects and executes routine and advanced scientific techniques, and analyzes products using a variety of methodologies in the AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Uvalde. This position performs routine and complex sample preparation and testing.
Responsibilities:
- Perform various extraction procedures, mainly plant samples, to enhance detection of elements and other compounds including antioxidants and sugars, which includes evaluating, selecting and executing routine and advanced scientific techniques
- Perform assays, record, and report results for various principal investigators
- Review and/or modify existing methods to improve laboratory efficiency and accuracy
- Perform developmental and verification work for methods and processes for which no routine written method exists
- Review and prepares technical communications to ensure clarity of instructions
- Write and/or edit routine and complex SOPs, summaries, and/or presentations
- Use technical and professional resources for professional development and enhancing laboratory methodology
Sample Preparation:
- Process samples
- Participate in sample processing by retrieving samples, ensuring samples are properly accessioned
- Prepare reagents, mixtures, standards and controls as needed
Testing:
- Follow procedures in conducting routine laboratory test methods
- Perform advanced test methods requiring subjective evaluation and analysis of controls required, and troubleshoots routine assay and instrument problems
- Answers routine and complex/advanced questions about tests
- Serve as subject matter specialist for specific test methods/techniques
- Enter data and summarize results
- Generate appropriate forms and test documentation
- Operate scientific and laboratory apparatus and equipment such as: Thermo Scientific 7000 series iCAP with Auto Sampler and Software, a Waters 2695 HPLC with Photodiode Array and Refractive Index Detector with Empower Software, Perkin Elmer Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and EasyChemplus Discrete Analyzer
- Use and maintain laboratory equipment and other scientific apparatus including but not limited to centrifuges, balances, and pipettes
- Perform work in accordance with validated test methods, SOPs, procedures, employee training and proficiency, and equipment standards, as applicable
Other Duties:
- Order supplies
- Coordinate service calls for equipment and submit work orders for facilities maintenance
- Use computer equipment for controlling equipment and compiling data
- Complete routine and preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment and instrumentation
- Promote workplace safety; use personal protective equipment while working with hazardous materials
- Foster laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards and communication
- Performs other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, or physical science or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications
- Knowledge of a wide variety of laboratory equipment, collecting samples, performing analyses, chemical procedures, data entry, and computer records
- Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and safety practices
- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding
Preferred Qualifications:
- Preferred Qualifications:
- One year of related lab experience
- Ability to ensure attention to detail
- Ability to work well with a team
- Ability to communicate with colleagues
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage completing responsibilities in an organized manner
- Experience using an Agilent 6890N GC with 7683B Auto Sampler
- Experience using a Thermo Scientific 7000 series iCAP with ASX-560 Auto Sampler with Qtegra Software
- Experience using a Waters 2695 HPLC with 2996 Photodiode Array Detector and 2414 Refractive Index Detector with Empower Software
- Experience with the Perkin Elmer AAnalyst 400 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer
- Experience with EasyChemplus Discrete Analyzer
What You Need to Know
Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.
Location: Uvalde is a community of 16,000 people located in the Wintergarden region of southwest Texas, about an hour and a half from San Antonio. Much of the surrounding land is used for irrigated agriculture, although the Hill Country lies just to the north with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Center has about 150 acres of land for crop research/production and houses a staff of more than 50 people with active research programs in agronomy, horticulture, breeding and genetics, plant biochemistry, plant physiology, plant pathology and wildlife disease ecology.
Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?
When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.
In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit packing including the following:
- Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurancewith Texas A&M AgriLife 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
- Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife
Applicant Instructions
Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter, (2) detailed curriculum vitae stating education, experience and qualifications, (3) and a list of three references with contact information as attachments to the completed application. Attachments can be uploaded as one document or multiple attachments can be included.
For additional information contact Dr. Daniel Leskovar, Center Director by email at
d-leskovar@tamu.edu
or by phone at 830-988-6124. All inquiries are confidential.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
