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JOB DETAILS

Field and Laboratory Technician

CompanyHeidelberg University
LocationTiffin
Work ModeOn Site
PostedSeptember 7, 2026
About The Company
Heidelberg University is one of the top-ranking locations in the world of international science and scholarship. As Germany's oldest seat of higher learning it can look back on a tradition for which it is envied by many other universities, not only in Germany. But while its six-hundred-year history is a source of justified pride, it would be foolish indeed to rest on the laurels of the past. Accordingly, the University is intent on playing an active role in shaping the future, both by engaging in innovative research and by educating the decision-makers of tomorrow. In the competition between the best universities our position could hardly be more favourable. In many fields Heidelberg's prominence is uncontested, both nationally and internationally. With its broad range of subjects it is a classic embodiment of the original ideal of universitas. As such, it scores over many of its rivals with an asset that has become indispensable for today 's research-oriented universities if they want to compete at an international level. The name of that asset is interdisciplinary collaboration. In Heidelberg the pooling of creative potential across traditional faculty boundaries was instituted at an early stage, notably by the creation of interdisciplinary research centres that have developed into veritable islands of excellence in a short space of time. On the international plane, the name of Heidelberg has long been synonymous with academic excellence, a reputation it enjoys all over the world. The regard in which the University is held by scholars, scientists and students from other countries is immense. Here in the Heidelberg Area they encounter an inordinately stimulating intellectual climate that lives on in the memory and forms a basis for lifelong friendships.
About the Role

The National Center for Water Quality Research (NCWQR), Heidelberg University seeks to hire a highly motivated Laboratory and Field Technician. Reporting to the Director of the NCWQR, the Laboratory and Field Technician position conducts activities to ensure the successful operation of the NCWQR. The incumbent will work primarily on the Heidelberg Tributary Loading Program (HTLP) and assist with sample collection and analysis in the laboratory associated with multiple projects.

More specifically, this position will include tasks needed to ensure the smooth operation of the HTLP and chemistry laboratory, such as assistance with sample collection, field station maintenance, sample preparation, specific analyses following all Standard Operating Procedures, and data management. This technician will assist with maintaining and troubleshooting analytical equipment, preparation of standards and reagents, and oversee student interns. Ideally, this technician will have experience analyzing water samples for nutrient chemistry maintaining laboratory instrumentation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

      1. Laboratory Analysis

  • Maintain sample integrity from sample collection, sample receiving, login, chain of custody, and sample preparation for all samples processed in the chemical labratory.
  • Conduct specific analyses following all Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) requirements for completed analysis.
  • Ensure that all laboratory instrumentation and equipment is functioning properly. 
  • Maintain laboratory database systems in collaboration with other staff members. 
  • Prepare for upcoming sampling on a weekly basis.
  • Incorporate updates to laboratory procedures or equipment as needed.
  • Help with special projects when the opportunity arises.
  • Collaborate and train new technicians in the chemistry laboratory.

       2. Fieldwork

  • Assist with weekly HTLP sample collection.
  • Help maintain and repair HTLP field stations.
  • Assist with field sampling associated with other NCWQR projects.

       3. Education and Outreach

  • Train and supervise student workers (Interns).
  • Assist students with independent research projects as needed. 

Core Values and Personal Attributes:

  • Core values- models leadership values of integrity, honesty, humility, transparency, respectfulness, diversity, caring, loyalty and accountability in all work. 
  • Intellectual dynamism- demonstrates mental sharpness, capability and agility.
  • Self-knowledge- gains insight from successes and mistakes.
  • Personal learning- seeks feedback and counsel to improve managerial behavior.
  • Peer relationships- encourages collaboration and cooperation across the organization.
  • Teamwork- performs most effectively as a hard-working member of a team.
  • Constituency focus- completes work to meet constituencies' expectations and requirements. 
  • Community focus- brings a spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the campus and town.

Desired Attributes and Qualifications

Education and Professional Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree of Science in the Natural Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of and excitement for stream, river, wetland, and lake ecosystems.
  • Ability to work in adverse field conditions and lift equipment and samples weighing up to 50 pounds. 
  • Must have a valid driver's license and be willing to work a flexible schedule. 

Preferred Education and Professional Experience:

  • Experience using chemical analysis to quantify nutrient concentrations in water. 
  • Experience sampling aquatic ecosystems. 

The NCWQR is a research arm of the science departments at Heidelberg University, a private, comprehensive Master’s institution located in Tiffin in northwestern Ohio. For consideration, or to obtain additional information, please visit https://www.heidelberg.edu/careers. For questions or more information, contact: Rem Confesor (rconfeso@heidelberg.edu) or Nancy Miller (ncwqr@heidelberg.edu). Candidates should upload a cover letter describing their interested in the position, a current resume, and the contact information for three references. Review of candidates will begin no later than June 5, 2026 and will continue until the position has been filled.

Key Skills
Laboratory analysisFieldworkWater quality monitoringSample collectionData managementAnalytical equipment maintenanceStandard operating proceduresQuality assuranceReagent preparationStudent supervisionNutrient chemistryTroubleshootingChain of custodyAquatic ecosystem sampling
Categories
Science & ResearchEnvironmental & SustainabilityEducation
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The technician will conduct laboratory and field activities, including sample collection, chemical analysis, and maintenance of field stations and analytical equipment. Additionally, the role involves data management, training student interns, and ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
835
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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