Research Technician - Laboratory of Environmental Archaeology Core Facilities

University of Tennessee - Knoxville, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Knoxville, TN

Educational Services

About the position

The Research Technician position at the Laboratory of Environmental Archaeology Core Facilities involves executing services related to geophysical surveys and paleoenvironmental processing. The role includes data collection in both lab and field settings, data analysis, report preparation, and equipment maintenance. The technician will also supervise students and assist in developing research projects, contributing to the facility's outreach and professional development efforts.

Responsibilities

• Supports fulfillment of LEA services, including conducting field and lab based data collection.
• Trains and supervises LEA users, especially students, using LEA instruments in the lab and field.
• Sets up and performs research experiments and procedures following prescribed protocol with autonomy.
• Prepares and processes samples independently.
• Performs data analysis and report preparation with minimal supervision.
• Writes standard operating procedures for LEA.
• Assists users with Stratocore account initiation, scheduling, and billing.
• Schedules and conducts equipment maintenance and technical troubleshooting under intermittent supervision.
• Maintains a clean lab environment and ensures correct storage and documentation of materials, including controlled chemicals and biohazard soils.
• Coordinates with EHS to maintain safety standards and protocols, inventories, and training records.
• Manages results records and files, assisting with the development and maintenance of a results database for LEA.
• Participates in appropriate and approved professional development opportunities, including but not limited to conferences, seminars, workshops, and short courses.
• Promotes the LEA Core Facility through public outreach activities.
• Assists with development of grants and research projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Geology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography, or Pedology.
• At least two years' experience in a field or lab setting with increasing responsibility.
• Knowledge of current geoarchaeological methods and theories.
• Knowledge of current archaeological methods and theories relating to cultural resource management.
• Knowledge of regulations outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
• Knowledge of principles of geophysical data collection including ground penetrating radar.
• Skills in collecting, handling, and processing soil and sediment samples.
• Ability to conduct field and laboratory geophysical and archaeological analyses.
• Ability to apply analyses to novel projects, including archaeological CRM.
• Ability to work in a controlled lab environment, maintaining clean and orderly lab space and materials.
• Ability to instruct and oversee new students and researchers in lab and equipment techniques.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Geology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography, or Pedology.
• Experience conducting geoarchaeological field and/or lab work.
• Experience with ground penetrating radar (GPR) data collection or processing.
• Strong skills in using Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Basic knowledge of ArcGIS 10.9.
• Preferred ability to use the SIR4000 GPR System and RADAN 3D GPR processing software.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling
• Employee discount programs