RESEARCH TECHNICIAN – LEA Core Facilities

Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development, Research Informatics

Job Family - Research Technician 3

Non-Exempt

Market Range 07

Job Summary/Essential Job Functions

This position executes services conducted within the Laboratory of Environmental Archaeology Core Facility, particularly geophysical survey and paleoenvironmental processing. This includes conducting data collection in the lab and the field, performing data analysis and report preparation, managing the maintenance of lab equipment and supervising students working with LEA equipment in the field or lab. This position will also assist with developing research projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

LEA user support:

- Supports fulfillment of LEA services, including conducting field and lab based data collection.

- Trains and supervises LEA users, especially students, using LEA instruments in the lab and field.

- Sets up and performs research experiments and procedures following prescribed protocol with autonomy.

- Prepares and processes samples independently.

- Performs data analysis and report preparation with minimal supervision

- Writes standard operating procedures for LEA.

- Assists users with Stratocore account initiation, scheduling, and billing.

LEA facility support:

- Schedules and conducts equipment maintenance and technical troubleshooting under intermittent supervision.

- Maintains a clean lab environment and ensures correct storage and documentation of materials, including controlled chemicals and biohazard soils.

- Coordinates with EHS to maintain safety standards and protocols, inventories, and training records.

- Manages results records and files, assisting with the development and maintenance of a results database for LEA.

Professional Development and Outreach

- Participates in appropriate and approved professional development opportunities, including but not limited to conferences, seminars, workshops, and short courses.

- Promotes the LEA Core Facility through public outreach activities.

- Assists with development of grants and research projects.

Required knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of 1) current geoarchaeological methods and theories; 2) current archaeological methods and theories relating to cultural resource management; 3) regulations outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and their importance in cultural resource management; 4) principles of geophysical data collection including ground penetrating radar.

Skills in 1) collecting, handling, and processing soil and sediment samples; 2) Maintaining organized practices and notes while working on multiple projects simultaneously (good multi-tasking skills)

Ability to 1) conduct field and laboratory geophysical and archaeological analyses; 2) apply these analyses to novel projects, including archaeological CRM; 3) work in a controlled lab environment, maintaining clean and orderly lab space and materials and inventories; 4) instruct and oversee new students and researchers in lab and equipment techniques

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

Preferred ability to use the SIR4000 GPR System and RADAN 3D GPR processing software

Strongly preferred skills in using Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and basic knowledge of ArcGIS 10.9.

Required level/type of experience and/or years of experience

Bachelor's degree - Anthropology, Archaeology, Geology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Pedology

Minimum BA degree in a related field and at least two years' experience in a field or lab setting with increasing responsibility.

Preferred level/type of experience and/or years of experience

Master’s degree - Anthropology, Archaeology, Geology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Pedology

Preferred MA in a related field and at least two years' experience conducting geoarchaeological field and/or lab work. Experience with ground penetrating radar (GPR) data (collection or processing) strongly preferred.

Additional Information

• Please attach the following electronic documents to the application: Cover letter, resume, and the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references.

• Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Related Websites:

• Core Facilities: https://research.utk.edu/oried/core-facilities/

• Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development: https://research.utk.edu/oried/

• Employment & Benefits: http://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/

• Benefits Summary for Active Employees: http://humanresources.tennessee.edu/benefits/gen_benefits_info.html