Laboratory Technician

The successful candidate will first process tree-ring samples from forest sample collections in for analysis in global change and ecological studies. Next, a key function for the successful candidate will be to organize and quality-check an array of tree-ring and forest ecology data using the programming language R (or the ability to move from a similar langue to R).

Job responsibilities

1. Conduct sample preparation, measurement, and analysis of ecological samples from old-growth forests; involves field work. Evaluate samples for standard cross dating procedures to determine data quality. Intensive microscopic or similar sample analysis work to collect sample data in the lab with a high degree of skill and precision. Assist intensive vegetation sampling in Mature and Old-Growth Forests.

2. Assist with P.I. with additional quality-check data analysis, for example, creating ring-width chronologies, in preparation for data management and archival in the Harvard Forest Archive of data. This will also enable successful transfer of data at the end of the project to publicly-held databases like the DendroEcological Network. These activities will be led by the lead Research Assistant under the supervision of the PI.

3. Assist P.I. on standard data recording and table and figure development in anticipation for presentations of project results.

4. Other basic laboratory work, including maintaining equipment and supplies for expedition and lab research.

High school graduate or equivalent.

• One year experience with scientific research in tree-ring analysis or conducting vegetation sampling.
• Some related college courses or strong interest and aptitude in ecology, statistics, and laboratory management.
• Must be capable of working independently in the lab.
• Concentration and precision; work involves cross dating challenging increment core samples.

None

Field work requires spending time hiking and working in forests and other remote wilderness regions in prevailing
weather conditions with rocky and/or steep terrain covered with vegetation. Must be capable of lifting, move, and transport related research equipment that may weigh up to 50 lbs.

Field conditions include potential biting insects and ticks, and work may be done in inclement weather conditions. While days will be spent in the field, lodging will be in local motels/hotels. This position could require up to 5 weeks of travel for vegetation sampling.

Applicants MUST submit a cover letter in addition to their resume in order for their application to be reviewed.

Please be prepared to submit the names and contact information for 3 relevant references upon request.

Application review will begin January 22, and interviews will be conducted the week of January 29th. The position will remain open until filled, but the desired start date is late February 2024

This is an 11 month term limited position with the possibility of extension if additional funding is secured.

A relocation allowance of up to $750 is available to offset the costs of moving to Massachusetts.

We regret that Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Project Team Philosophy: We believe in conducting science with both humility and intellectual rigor. We respect all people and will combat institutional racism and gender bias at every opportunity. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and to fostering a welcoming and stimulating environment so that project participants can develop, grow, and achieve their professional goals.

Professional development opportunities include training and supervising the work of summer undergraduate students, attending project workshops, including a workshop with national and international leaders on ecological modeling and statistics, working with an interdisciplinary group to advance knowledge, techniques, and methodologies in the study of temperate broadleaf forest ecology, presentation of project results at local and national meetings, and work with the Harvard Forest education and outreach team, including at least one Research Experience for Teacher project participant, in developing programming for local and regional schools. Should the successful candidate prove to be efficient and ahead of project goals and milestones, they will be encouraged to work with us on projects that feed the broader goals of the project.

Work Safety

We employ best safety practices and strategies to reduce risk and emotional and physical harm for all project participants in the lab, office, or forest (Demery and Pipkin 2020, Tseng et al. 2020). A healthy, safe, respectful, and comfortable team produces the working environment and, secondarily, the best research.

References

Demery, A.-J. C., and M. A. Pipkin. 2020. Safe fieldwork strategies for at-risk individuals, their supervisors and

institutions. Nature Ecology & Evolution:1-5.

Tseng, M., R. W. El-Sabaawi, M. B. Kantar, J. H. Pantel, D. S. Srivastava, and J. L. Ware. 2020. Strategies and

support for Black, Indigenous, and people of colour in ecology and evolutionary biology. Nature Ecology &

Evolution 4:1288-1290.

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.