Job Summary

Manage day-to-day operations and solve technical problems in the Caltech Earth Surface Dynamics Laboratory. Assist graduate students and faculty to set-up and perform laboratory experiments; be part of a team solving cutting-edge scientific problems.

Job Duties

• Configure and set-up laboratory experiments including design, fabrication, and installation of laboratory instrument mounts and instrumentation; plumbing and pump calibrations and reconfigurations.
• Set-up data loggers, cameras, and other instrumentation. Work with variable frequency drives and data acquisition software.
• Troubleshoot and repair scientific research instruments, electronic instruments, electromechanical equipment, and computers.
• Manage computer data storage and backup software. Update computing resources as needed. Maintain log books and other records.
• Train and assist graduate students in general wood/aluminum/metal shop work as needed for experiments, and use of instrumentation.
• Manage shop materials including materials and sediment handling, crane operation, ordering, and storing supplied and laboratory equipment.
• Maintain an organized and clean lab space, including periodic cleaning of trench drains, sump, and other laboratory equipment.
• Approve time cards for non-exempt employees and summer undergraduate interns working in the lab.
• Purchase and monitor laboratory supplies. Reconcile monthly P-Card expense reports. Track budget expenditures and collaborate with Grants Manager to spend funds appropriately in compliance with grant and Institute policies.
• Serve as safety manager of the lab, including establish and update safe working practices, work with the Caltech safety office, train new workers in the lab on safety policies, file accident reports with Caltech.
• Assist with laboratory tours.
• Analyze and process data in preparation of publication in scholarly journals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in earth science, civil/mechanical/electrical engineering, or related discipline and 2+ years of research experience, or M.S. or Ph.D.
• Experience/training in basic wood/aluminum/metal fabrication, electrical, and plumbing.
• Ability to work independently and with students and professors.
• Ability to incorporate a breadth of skills to tackle experimental set-up problems.
• Experience with laboratory or industrial electronic equipment and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to use a variety of custom built robotic, acoustic, and ultrasonic instrumentation.
• Ability to adapt, modify, and troubleshoot scientific equipment and instruments.
• Ability to adapt to new computers, software applications, and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical reasoning and problem solving skills.
• Ability to exercise mature judgment and initiative.
• Ability to lift, move, or carry equipment up to 50 lb.
• Ability to work flexible hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Matlab or other laboratory data acquisition software, for example LabView.
• Experience writing, amending, and programming software code.
• Experience with laboratory hydraulic or sediment transport flumes or wind tunnels.
• Training in earth sciences, civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter