Position Summary:
This employee supports the USDA Forest Service, Forest Product Laboratory located in Madison, WI. As a laboratory technician, you will assist in conducting scientific research by preparing and testing samples analysis. Work methods and procedures are specified by others, but you may be involved in adapting existing procedures or developing new ones.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform chemical reactions and wet chemical tests including laboratory operations like weighing, dilution, and adjusting pH
- Develop new or improved techniques and methods related to processing of biomass based on existing methods and practice
- Conduct analytical chemistry techniques, such as titration, chemical and physical analyses of samples, and operate specialized instruments and interpret the results of these analyses.
- Perform a variety of chemical and physical techniques, including rheology, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, mechanical testing or product specific performance, specimen preparation and testing
- Train others in the operation and maintenance of standard and specialized chemical laboratory equipment
- Prepare study plans, proposals for funding, presentations, posters, and publications for internal and/or external distribution
- Duties listed are at the full performance level.
- Process wood and biomass samples including traditional pulping and bleaching, making handsheets, advanced biorefining, and/or producing nanocellulose and processing lignin.
- Prepare progress reports related to laboratory work that are presented orally and/or in writing
Required Education & Experience:
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- One full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of graduate level education directly related to the work of the position. Acceptable coursework includes the following: General, Analytical, Organic, and/or Wood Chemistry; Introduction to Chemical Engineering, Engineering, and/or Bioprocess Engineering; Unit Operations, Mass & Energy Balances, Pulping & Bleaching, and/or Papermaking.
- Master’s degree or two full years of graduate level education directly related to the work of the position. Acceptable coursework includes the following: General, Analytical, Organic, and/or Wood Chemistry; Introduction to Chemical Engineering, Engineering, and/or Bioprocess Engineering; Unit Operations, Mass & Energy Balances, Pulping & Bleaching, and/or Papermaking.
- Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.