We are hiring a lab/data manager!

The Mountain Limnology Lab (MLL), established by Dr. Isabella Oleksy (PI) at the University of Colorado Boulder, is seeking a Professional Research Assistant to provide support for limnology research projects in the field and in the lab. The research assistant will live in or near Boulder, CO, and will work under the supervision of Dr. Isabella Oleksy. Applicants who have previously demonstrated self-motivation and passion for research will receive special consideration. The MLL is dedicated to creating a safe work environment that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all. Our lab is also committed to helping all members achieve their professional goals, and we will provide opportunities for intellectual and professional development as a part of this position (e.g., conference and workshop attendance, networking with other water professionals in the region). Any questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Isabella Oleksy (Isabella [dot] Oleksy [at] colorado [dot] edu.

Required qualifications:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication.

Experience in the field of freshwater ecology or limnology required.

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, chemistry, geography, hydrology, or related fields

2-3 years specialized experience in related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

Valid driver’s license required.

Ability to multitask, delegate, and work as part of a larger team; highly organized

Desired qualifications:

Experience conducting field work in all weather conditions required (at least 2 days of field work a month are expected, year-round, with higher frequency June-August)

Willingness to work occasional long days or weeks, particularly during the summer months (weekend work is extremely rare)

Previous research experience preferred

Adaptability in the face of evolving plans; ability to think quickly and change plans on the short notice while ensuring integrity of work and safety of crew

Management of teams and organizational experience in any setting is preferred.

The Lab/Data Manager will coordinate and implement tasks associated with field research in lakes and streams and laboratory research with field-collected samples. The approximate breakdown of job duties is 30% field work, 20% lab work, 40% research and development, and 10% service and meetings. Specific responsibilities:

Lab duties:

Ordering lab supplies and equipment to both continue the assembly of a biogeochemistry lab space and ensure inventory of existing lab supplies

Ensuring lab safety compliance, proper waste management, and maintaining associated record keeping

Updating and maintaining accessible standard operating protocols for laboratory analyses and field work, and training all group members on common procedures

Work with PI to continuously optimize space use and workflows

Basic processing and inventorying of field samples in the lab immediately upon field collection (e.g., filtering and preserving water samples)

Leading or overseeing the quantification of major water quality analyses (e.g., chlorophyll a, dissolved organic carbon, total dissolved nitrogen, pH, conductivity, acid neutralizing capacity, nitrate, and phosphate)

Working with other PRAs and other lab staff to analyze samples and maintain lab space

Calibrating field sensors (YSI, miniDOTs, LiCOR PAR, etc) on a regular basis and sending equipment back to factory when necessary

Field work coordination:

Training and supervising undergraduate and graduate students in lab and field protocols
Carrying a heavy pack 5-10 miles to sample remote mountain lakes across Colorado with one or two field assistants in all seasons and weather conditions

Leading associated scheduling and logistics for field trips across multiple projects; working with graduate students to help them plan their field campaigns

Ensuring that preparation for the field and processing after field work are done in a timely manner

Setting up, installing, and maintaining buoys with various sensor types in assorted alpine lakes

Maintaining existing stream gages in Loch Vale. Working with other sensor types as needed.

Communicating with officials from NPS, USFS, Niwot Ridge LTER, City of Boulder Watershed, and other organizations as applicable to ensure site access, permitting, and support from other crews when needed.

Assisting the PI with annual compliance reports (e.g., Annual Investigators Report for the National Park Service)

Ensuring the field vehicle is serviced on a regular basis

Research and development:

Uploading, organizing, and QA/QC of all data collected in the field

Ensuring that metadata and sample inventories are up to date and accurate

Maintaining data streams for multiple projects and verifying the quality of collected data

Sharing data with project collaborators.

Developing, installing, and maintaining high-frequency aquatic sensor networks and associated data streams

Working with PI and postdoctoral fellow on the launch and maintenance of a lab database system

Researching new analysis methods and developing associated protocols when needed.

Finding labs to outsource analyses to when applicable

Shipping samples to other laboratories

Duration: This is a CU Boulder, full time, exempt, fully benefitted, salaried position for an initial appointment of you year; extension is contingent upon funding and successful job performance evaluation. Salary range is $50,000-60,000 per year, depending on experience, with highly competitive benefits. The preferred start is June of 2025, but exact start date is negotiable.

If interested: Please apply via the CU Boulder HR portal: https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Professional-Scientist-I/63575