Laboratory Analyst-Soil, Plant and Pest Center
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Nashville, TN
Full-time
Analysis
Posted on April 2, 2024
Laboratory Analyst
University of Tennessee Extension - Soil, Plant & Pest Center
(Nashville, TN)
Duties/Responsibilities:
The UT Soil, Plant, & Pest Center Laboratory Analyst is directly responsible to the Laboratory Director. This is a 40 hour per week, in person position. This position processes soil and forage samples from across the state. For scale, the lab processes between 16,000 and 18,000 soil samples per year, and about 1,000 forage samples per year.
Qualifications :
Duties include:
· Organize soil and forage samples, assign a lab number, dry, and grind samples.
· Perform prescribed laboratory procedures to analyze soil and forage samples. This includes scooping soils and weighing forages for various extracts. Filtering extracts for analysis on ICP, ammonium-nitrate analyzer, electrical conductivity meter, or other instruments. Samples may also be analyzed with a soil pH robot, settling cylinders, ovens, furnace, scale, and other lab instruments.
· Use Microsoft Excel to retrieve and organize data from instruments.
· Prioritize tasks and sample testing to optimize efficiency.
· Prepare chemical reagents and standard solutions used in soil and forage analysis.
· Ensure quality control samples are passing, and trouble shooting if they do not pass. Analyze national proficiency samples during the year.
· Maintain lab safety, chemical supply, and consumables. Keep a clean, organized lab.
· Trains and supervises student workers or lab aides in procedures and protocols.
· Assume other duties as assigned.
Minimum/Required Qualifications (include education, experience, skills & abilities, licenses & certifications):
· Must have an associate degree.
· Two science classes with a lab component in the pursuit of an associate or bachelor’s degree.
· Must have a valid driver’s license.
· Must be reliable and punctual.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s in science
· Three years of experience in a commercial agricultural or public facing university laboratory.
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