NEEDED: Laboratory Technician

BACKGROUND: The Forest Products Laboratory is the national research laboratory of the United States Forest Service, which provides scientific research on wood, wood products and their commercial uses in partnership with academia, industry, tribal, state, local and other government agencies. The primary goal of Forest Products Laboratory’s Forest Biopolymer Science and Engineering (FBSE) unit is to understand the basic properties of wood and other materials used in conjunction with wood to improve their properties, enhance their service life, and develop new uses.

FOCUS: area of understanding and improving protein-based adhesives in wood products.

LOCATION: 1 Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726

SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week

QUALIFICATIONS:

• US Citizen
• Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical or biological sciences, or have demonstrated physical technician laboratory skills.
• Must be proficient in the English language, computer skills, and basic statistics such as standard error and confidence.
• Must demonstrate safe laboratory practices at all times.
• Must be familiar with laboratory equipment

JOB DESCRIPTION: supporting the following research activities:

• Protein modification and analysis
• Adhesive formulation and testing
• Recording data in notebooks and spreadsheets
• Analyzing and graphing of the data in reports
• Providing weekly progress reports

Specific work to be performed in support of the above activities will vary with the amount and nature of the research work. Examples of specific subtasks that are typically performed are described below:

Protein modification and analysis subtasks:

• Protein modifications include for example autoclaving, ethanol or acid extraction, dry heating, freeze drying, or other simple physical and chemical treatments.
• Solids content, pH and rheological measurements of soy solutions.
• Tracking of lot numbers and reagent sources.
• Noticing any unusual appearance of the materials during or after reaction.

Adhesive formulation and testing:

• Find or requisition necessary and appropriate chemicals and reagents.
• Formulate adhesives following written protocols, which may include basic chemistry such as sequential addition, pipetting and weighing, heating, calculation of reagent concentrations and ratios.
• Basic chemical analysis of adhesives and reagents using standard methods such as pH, temperature, viscosity, density, and solids content.
• Bond wood samples according to published or special SOP’s provided by FPL. This includes selection of wood samples, sometimes using wood anatomy or physical characteristics, conditioning, checking moisture content, applying adhesive and pressing using hydraulic, heated presses. Label specimens, coordinate with carpenter to get samples cut appropriately, and conduct mechanical tests using electronically controlled equipment.
• Download data from test equipment and import into graphing or analysis software.

Data recording:

• All procedures, data, deviations from normal observations, and electronic data file names/locations shall be entered into laboratory notebooks supplied by FPL. Notebooks shall include cross references to procedures and notes of deviation from procedure. Laboratory notebooks shall be neat, organized, indexed, and available to FPL scientists.
• Report any errors or potential errors (faulty equipment, inaccurate assumptions, transcription errors, etc.) and associated information, such as which data sets are impacted, to the PI immediately.
• Data acquired electronically shall be named and cataloged in logical fashion and stored electronically on a server provided by FPL.
• All information provided to the PI or Laboratory staff shall be accurate, complete, and delivered without intent or appearance of intent to hide or deceive.
• Technical data such as certificates of analysis or material safety sheets shall be scanned or photographed and uploaded to the appropriate server upon receipt of the material. All materials in the lab shall be labelled per FPL safety guidelines.

Analyzing and graphing data

• Use Microsoft excel or other program to accurately collate, graph, and analyze results to answer the questions provided in the task order.
• Use accurate and appropriate labels, axes, units.
• Calculate basic statistics such at students t test and standard deviations.
• Note deviations and alert superiors in a timely manner of abnormal conditions.

Progress reporting

• Weekly reports in a format provided by the PI that describes the tasks underway and completed for each of the support activities. Include cross references, including notebook # 5 and page, as well as any digital files (directory and filename) relevant to the report such as those containing raw data, instructions, methods used, or observations.
• In addition, the Contractor will provide weekly time sheets to the COR to document technician time spent on the project.
• Keep laboratory space clean and organized, follow all FPL safety procedures, alert PI of impending issues such as material shortages, unusual machine behavior, etc.
• Technicians shall work independently, with minimal supervision, after initial training. Supervision will be provided by PI and FPL staff. Technicians shall proactively seek out guidance or information from designated FPL staff when needed.
• At least one technician actively participates in safety inspection, in conjunction with FPL staff, at least 5 times per year. All available contract employees working at FPL participate in follow-up safety review meetings.

BENEFITS: Competitive hourly pay rate, accrued vacation, accrued sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, 401K opportunity, and healthcare benefits contribution.