Lab Tech Specialist II (1689)

OVERVIEW: 

Performs advanced specialized laboratory examinations, analyses, evaluations, studies and/or investigations to gather technical data.  The incumbent is a highly proficient specialist in assigned area of expertise. 

Under minimum supervision, the incumbent is responsible for conveying the results of key experiments to senior researchers in concise and clear tabulations, graphs, and simple reports.  As a part of their professional development process, learns how to interpret experimental results and communicate these findings and their relevance in a professional, accurate, efficient and useful manner.  

This position will be responsible for conducting technical experiments, analyses, and tests requiring specific technical knowledge and techniques in the domain of rocks and fluids research, such as:

• Support senior researchers according to their project requirements. 
• Operate and maintain a range of lab/field equipment. 

• Appropriately record and document all research/support activities in accordance with our policies in data management systems and databases. 
• Assure all research activities are performed in a manner that conforms to policies on safety and ethics and other external regulatory requirements. 

The job requires the typical physical demands of a research center environment and is to be performed at the Houston Global Research Center which supports research operations ranging from general laboratory work to high hazard settings such as dealing with combustible gases and liquids, high temperatures and high pressures. The facilities will be ventilated and air-conditioned, with well-lit laboratory/office spaces that meet building, occupational health & safety (OSHA) and facility access codes. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES: 

• Provides technical expertise in own area of work and experience.  Makes interpretations and correlations of basic data as required to make a complete and comprehensive analysis. 
• Responsible for maintenance, calibration, operation, and troubleshooting of instrumentation including rock mechanics equipment and high-T High-P equipment for geochemical analyses
• Responsible for writing and maintaining instrumentation Standard Operating Procedures documentation, MSDS and other safety documentation.
• Observe and maintain the highest safety standards in laboratory and regularly assist in safety inspections of other laboratories.
• Conduct rock sample preparation including operation of rock saws, rock crushers, and ball mills to meet experimental standards for geochemical/geomechanical analysis
• Ability to explain analysis results to a multi-disciplinary research team and management
• Use analysis software and Excel to compile data reports and assist in data manipulation and interpretation.
• Responsible for maintaining laboratory data in collaboration with research staff. Work with other data management/ IT staff as needed to align on data management practices.
• Work with vendors and collaborate with support staff to identify, install, and operate new equipment, including documentation of equipment specifications, safety protocols, and potential laboratory modifications.
• Stay adaptable to emerging business needs and training/re-skilling as needed for supporting R&D in different areas
• Collaborate with laboratory supply vendors to maintain laboratory inventory and pursue lower cost options when available.
• Serve as a technical reference for other laboratory technicians from other technical disciplines.
• Occasional travel to meetings, trainings, conferences, and vendor offices in North America as needed to support team projects.
• Prepares comprehensive reports for discussion with colleagues
• Serves as a technical reference for peers from other technical disciplines 
• Assists in training non-specialized personnel in their area of expertise.  Within limits, consults with and advises people requiring help with specific technical problems.
• Observes safety rules per HSSE policy, takes action on hazards and reports these items to Unit supervisor. 
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Minimum two (2) years of college or Associate Degree in Science required.   Bachelor’s degree in Physics or Chemistry preferred. 
• Three (3) or more years of relevant laboratory experience.  Complete familiarity with standard laboratory practices. Background in rock mechanics/geomechanics is preferred.
• Must be able to communicate accurately, clearly and concisely in English at a level required to perform the job as outlined.  Good interpersonal and communication skills.  Proficient technical writing skills. 

NO THIRD-PARTY CANDIDATES ACCEPTED