Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant - STDT 4

This position is for an undergraduate laboratory assistant through June 30, 2026. This position is located in Incline Village, NV. Position expectations will include, but not limited to laboratory analyses, field sampling, data processing, specialized equipment training and operations, and data Quality Assurance and Quality Control. The position will be expected to work in collaboration with graduate students, technical staff and researchers associated with the Tahoe Environmental Research Center.

The primary focus of this role will be to perform nutrient analysis and other chemical and biological analysis associated with ongoing projects at Lake Tahoe and Clear Lake. This position will perform chemical analysis on lake, stream, and other environmental samples including, but not limited to ammonium, nitrate + nitrite, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, orthophosphate, total phosphorus, total hydrolysable phosphorus, particulate phosphorus, total inorganic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, chlorophyll, turbidity, & pH. This position will also perform sediment nutrient digestions, extractions, and analyses for ash free dry weight and phosphorus and nitrogen content. 

Additional training will be provided on the job for specialized equipment, lab safety and field safety. This is a high-altitude lab.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Completion of coursework/exposure to but not limited to ecology, environmental chemistry, atmospheric sciences, and geosciences

Prior lab experience, either from courses or jobs

Familiarity with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, 

Integrity & communication skills

Ability to learn Quality Control (QC) procedures, safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals, decontamination procedures, and other laboratory skills.

Familiarity with specific lab equipment, such as pipettes, graduated cylinders, volumetric flasks, balances, drying ovens, fume hoods and/or spectrophotometers.

Experience with laboratory software to track samples and operate instruments.