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Posted: 14-Feb-25
Location: Urbana, Illinois
Type: Full Time
Salary: $45,000 - $55,000
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Salary Details:
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Internal Number: 1029405
Job Summary
The Visiting Research Technician will be responsible for management, co-ordination, and maintenance of a pool of fifteen photosynthetic gas exchange measurement systems (LiCOR 6800XT) and provide technical support for physiological measurements on the RIPE project. This position requires work at the laboratory, field and greenhouse. This position will do both, dedicated management of the shared pool of gas exchange systems, and providing technical support for physiological measurements.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Coordination and technical maintenance of a pool of fifteen photosynthetic gas exchange measurements systems (LI-6800XT) (including troubleshooting issues, repairs, shipping for repairs and recalibrations, training new users, ordering consumables, calendar co-ordination for researcher use across multiple independent research groups.
- Physiological measurements to improve plant photoprotection kinetics (mainly, but not limited to, photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence and transpiration, with concurrent tissue sampling).
- Maintaining field and greenhouse experiments, coordinating plant care with associated teams, and managing biophysical phenotyping.
- Undertake entry and analysis of the above data.
Physical Demands
- Standing : Frequently
- Walking : Frequently
- Kneel or stoop for extended periods : Frequently
- Moving equipment of at least 15 pounds : Occasionally
Working Conditions
- Working in the field, potentially in the elements : Frequently
- Greenhouses : Frequently
- Laboratory : Frequently
- Weekend, evenings, or early morning shifts : Occasionally
Additional Physical Demands
Work is done in greenhouses, laboratories, and field environments. Ability to move equipment weighing least 15 pounds. Ability to work outside, stand, walk, kneel, and stoop for extended periods. Willingness to work during weekends, early mornings and evenings, if necessary.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 4/1/2025. The budgeted salary for this position is $45,000 to $55,000 per year, and is commensurate with experience.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 13, 2025. Apply for this position using this link, RIPE Visiting Research Tech-U of I-IGB. Select the "Apply Now" button at the top or bottom of the linked job posting.
Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.
For further information about this specific position, please contact Jana Lenz at janalenz@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Agronomy, Agriculture, or related scientific fields. Must have documented experience in maintenance, repair, and trouble-shooting of analytical instrumentation; experience measuring higher plants; and a good understanding of scientific and research practices.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Plant Science, Agronomy, Agriculture, or related scientific fields.
Experience measuring and troubleshooting with LiCOR 6800 photosynthetic gas exchange and fluorometry systems, managing and maintaining field and greenhouse experimental trials, photosynthetic gas exchange data analysis, statistical analysis software such as SAS or R. Familiarity with facilitating communication and coordinating instrumentation between research and technical teams.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Background in plant physiology and measuring photosynthetic gas exchange.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to self-manage, which are critical for this role.
- Ability to work independently but also as part of a team.
- Must be able to communicate effectively with others.
- Proficiency with Excel MSOffice.
- Ability to maintain written and electronic records.
- Willingness to learn and in turn train others.
- Knowledge in experimental designs, record keeping software (electronic lab notebooks, R, SAS, databasing) helpful.
- Experience measuring photosynthetic parameters in crop field trials.
- Proven ability to manage equipment logistics and coordinate its use within large research teams.