Overview
If you love the rigor of the analytical bench as much as you love the idea that your data helps protect one-fifth of the world's surface fresh water, this role is built for you. FWI is looking for a Wet Lab Carbon Technician to join the team supporting NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) — the nerve center for harmful algal bloom detection, hypoxia tracking, and carbon cycle research across the Great Lakes. You'll run the instruments, own the QA/QC, and help turn raw lake-water samples into the datasets that inform how we understand and protect this critical freshwater ecosystem.
As the Wet Lab Carbon Technician, you will perform routine and complex wet chemistry analyses on water and sediment samples — with a focus on organic and inorganic carbon fractions — in direct support of GLERL's harmful algal bloom and ecosystem research. You'll split your time between precision benchwork in the lab and hands-on fieldwork aboard NOAA research vessels, giving you a rare mix of steady lab craft and open-water adventure.
Responsibilities
- Perform routine and complex wet laboratory chemical analyses on water and sediment samples, focusing on organic and inorganic carbon fractions (TOC, DOC, DIC, POC) and related nutrient parameters in support of HABs and ecosystem research
- Prepare chemical reagents, standard solutions, and specialized glassware/plasticware, adhering to strict laboratory cleanliness and quality protocols
- Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform routine preventative maintenance on core laboratory analytical equipment (e.g., TOC analyzers, spectrophotometers, fluorometers, filtration apparatus)
- Execute rigorous laboratory QA/QC procedures, accurately document instrument performance, maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, and manage chemical inventories and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Log, track, and preserve incoming field samples collected from GLERL research vessels, autonomous vehicles, and the real-time observation network
- Conduct vacuum filtrations for chlorophyll-a, phycocyanin, particulate organic carbon, and total suspended solids, managing subsequent extraction and analysis processes
- Process, review, and perform initial quality control checks on analytical datasets; upload finalized data into designated GLERL databases and archives
- Assist research scientists and engineers with field data and sample collection on NOAA small boats and GLERL research vessels during seasonal monitoring cruises (typically May to November)
- Collaborate with technical staff to draft and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), data summaries, and quality management records
- Assist in developing figures, charts, and technical summaries of carbon and bloom data for research communications, technical publications, and presentations
- Safely operate basic material handling equipment and adhere to all NOAA environmental health and safety regulations within the wet lab facility
Qualifications
Required:
- BS degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, environmental science, limnology, or a closely related scientific discipline
- Demonstrated experience working in a wet chemistry laboratory environment handling environmental samples
- Experience with basic laboratory instrumentation and data entry software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace)
- Valid driver's license
- Ability to lift and carry a 50 lb load to assist with sample coolers and field gear
- Ability to perform field work and handle sample collection on marine vessels
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and safely within a laboratory setting, function as part of a technical team, and strong interpersonal and communication skills
Desired:
- Two or more years of experience working in an analytical chemistry or biogeochemistry wet lab focused on aquatic environments
- Hands-on experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining carbon analysis instrumentation, such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC/DOC) analyzers, Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) analyzers, or elemental analyzers (CHN)
- Experience with automated nutrient analyzers, spectrophotometers, fluorometers, and vacuum filtration systems
- Experience working with and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Experience using certified reference materials (CRMs), creating standards based on SOPs, and calibration of instruments and sensors
- Familiarity with QA/QC protocols, creating standard curves, running check standards, and tracking instrument drift
- Experience processing and analyzing environmental datasets using programming languages such as Python or R
- Experience working at sea or on research cruises within the Great Lakes or similar large aquatic systems
- General knowledge of freshwater ecology, harmful algal bloom (HAB) dynamics, and carbon cycle biogeochemistry
Work Setting and Environment:
- Primary location: NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), 4840 S. State Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48108
- Telework approved for tasks conducive to remote work, as scheduled with the COR and Technical Lead(s)
- Full-time schedule (1,912 hours annually), Monday–Friday, flexible hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; field operations may affect hours
- Local Great Lakes field travel expected May–November; occasional meeting travel December–April; annual travel not anticipated to exceed 4%
FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.
Why Join Our Team
At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) Plan
- Holiday Pay
- Paid Time Off
Pay Range
Pay range is from 39.21/hr to 41.27/hr
