What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory and Research Technician position at Virginia Tech?
Job Description
This position will assist the Furst Lab at the Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Lab (OWML) in GIS modeling, laboratory, field work related to a research project on water contamination from septic systems. A successful candidate will have prior experience modeling soil topographic information and pluvial flooding conditions in GIS, collecting PFAS samples, and performing water quality analyses. Primary duties include: Assisting with field work to collect PFAS water and sediment samples following standard protocols; performing basic water quality analyses in the field and laboratory, including nutrients, TSS, total organic matter and fluorescence spectroscopy; assisting with PFAS and PPCP sample preparation, extraction and LC-MS/MS analysis; following proper sanitation procedures and environmental health and safety procedures; assisting with data analysis in Insight, Excel and Python; preparing maps in ArcGIS and performing GIS analyses on the collected data; assisting researchers with the preparation of reports and manuscripts; attend and present at project team meetings and research group meetings. This is an off-campus position at the Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Lab, located in Manassas, Virginia.
Required Qualifications
3
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Hours per week
40
Review Date
October 2, 2025
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kirin Furst at kfurst@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
This position will assist the Furst Lab at the Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Lab (OWML) in GIS modeling, laboratory, field work related to a research project on water contamination from septic systems. A successful candidate will have prior experience modeling soil topographic information and pluvial flooding conditions in GIS, collecting PFAS samples, and performing water quality analyses. Primary duties include: Assisting with field work to collect PFAS water and sediment samples following standard protocols; performing basic water quality analyses in the field and laboratory, including nutrients, TSS, total organic matter and fluorescence spectroscopy; assisting with PFAS and PPCP sample preparation, extraction and LC-MS/MS analysis; following proper sanitation procedures and environmental health and safety procedures; assisting with data analysis in Insight, Excel and Python; preparing maps in ArcGIS and performing GIS analyses on the collected data; assisting researchers with the preparation of reports and manuscripts; attend and present at project team meetings and research group meetings. This is an off-campus position at the Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Lab, located in Manassas, Virginia.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience with ArcGIS Pro and developing models for soil topographic information and pluvial flooding conditions.
- Prior experience with environmental field work.
- Experience in the collection of PFAS water and sediment samples following proper protocol without introduction of contamination.
- Knowledge of stream water quality and standard methods for water quality analysis.
- Experience using Hach methods and instrumentation for nutrient analysis.
- Experience with Horiba Aqualog fluorescence spectrophotometer and data processing for fluorescence excitation and emissions spectra (FEEMs).
- Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and writing skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Python.
- Must have a vehicle and ability to travel and hike uneven terrain and carry up to 20 pounds as needed.
- Ability to work independently.
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or related field.
- Knowledge of Fairfax County hydrogeology.
3
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Hours per week
40
Review Date
October 2, 2025
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kirin Furst at kfurst@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
