Laboratory Technician III - Botany bei University of Wyoming

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At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success.  Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.  Benefits include:

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

At the University of Wyoming, we’re committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW’s Benefits Summary.

JOB TITLE:   

Laboratory Technician III

JOB PURPOSE:

Conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field research to oversee the measurement of plant traits to achieve the objectives of the NSF grant awarded to Dr. Daniel Laughlin called "Fire and Water in the West: Trait-based demographic dynamics of forest communities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct greenhouse experiments to quantify functional traits of plants including the following tasks: prepare rhizoboxes for planting, organize the stratification of seeds for sowing, monitor plants 5 times per week to ensure growth and survival, measure rooting depth and plant height, clean rhizoboxes for future deployment, repair rhizoboxes, design more efficient protocols and test methods to ensure replicability, design protocols for measuring resprouting potential, order new greenhouse supplies as needed.
• Lead field work campaigns to measure the functional traits of plants including the following tasks: organize gear for research trips, correspond with research partners to plan for trips, drive to research sites across all western USA states, camp in the field or stay in research quarters, measure traits, sample leaves, wood, and branches, quantify traits on analytical balance and store samples for long term, order field equipment as needed.
• Conduct laboratory experiments to quantify functional traits of plants including the following tasks: monitor plants in drying ovens, organize lab supplies and order new supplies as needed, monitor plant samples in refrigerators and freezers, measure osmotic potential of leaves for turgor loss point experiments, scan leaves and roots on scanner and use software to analyze leaf area and root length measurements, measure seed mass.
• Supervise and mentor student hourly workers, attend weekly lab meetings to report on weekly updates, provide feedback on protocols and suggest improvements, and train graduate students in the protocols for the greenhouse, field, and laboratory.
• Develop code to process and analyze data from experiments, organize data for long term storage and publication.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain lab inventory and purchase laboratory supplies.
• Work with scientists to improve methods and development new techniques for research projects.

COMPETENCIES:

• Work Prioritization and Management
• Attention to Detail
• Initiative
• Safety Awareness
• Technical/Professional Knowledge

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: 

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education:  Bachelor’s degree

Experience:  2 years work-related experience

Required licensure, certification, registration, or other requirements:

• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy. 
• Ability to travel extensively to field sites for several multi-week trips throughout the year
• Ability to hike long distances while carrying equipment, and ability to lift 30 lbs.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Familiarity with tree species and forests of the western US
• Previous research experience in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory
• Interest in adaptive traits related to drought and fire
• Interest in landscape photography and science communication

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  

Complete the online application and upload the following for a complete application: 

• Cover letter that summarizes your research experience and expertise, your interest in the project, future goals, and how you meet the minimum and desired qualifications.
• C.V.
• Contact information for four work-related references.  

Due to a current system limitation, you may only be prompted to upload your resume/CV and a Cover Letter.  To ensure your application is complete, we recommend you put all of your application materials into one file with your cover letter.  However, if you're experiencing any issues in doing so, please send any additional application materials to [email protected], and a recruiter will manually add them to your application packet. To help us process your application more efficiently, please include the 6-digit job ID number (located at the bottom of the job posting) in your email. 

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS: 

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship for H-1B work authorization or work visa is not available for this position.

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO:  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307-766-2377 or email [email protected]. 

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn move about Laramie, by visiting the About Laramie website.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie’s beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/