OPS - Sponsored Projects Non-Clerical

Job Description: The UF/IFAS Analytical Services (ANSERV) Laboratories are seeking a full-time OPS Laboratory Assistant (1.0 FTE; minimum 0.75 FTE) to support routine analytical laboratory operations related to agricultural sample analysis. This position is responsible for assisting with sample receipt, preparation, analysis, data handling, and laboratory maintenance in accordance with established ANSERV Labs protocols and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) standards. The successful candidate will work under the direction of a supervising Laboratory Technician or Chemist and contribute to the accurate, timely, and efficient processing of soil, water, container media, plant tissue, and livestock waste samples submitted by UF faculty and external clients.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Sample Receipt and Preparation 
• Assists with the intake, verification, and logging of incoming samples following UF/IFAS ANSERV Labs standard operating procedures to ensure accurate tracking and timely processing. Reviews sample submission forms and sample identifications for completeness and accuracy; promptly communicates any missing information or discrepancies to the supervising Laboratory Technician or Chemist. Maintains accurate, detailed, and organized records related to sample receipt, preparation, and analytical workflows in compliance with laboratory QA/QC requirements. Prepares samples for analysis using approved laboratory techniques, including but not limited to homogenization, weighing, extraction, digestion, filtration, and centrifugation, while meeting established turnaround time expectations.

• Sample Analysis 
• Operates laboratory equipment such as scales, drying ovens, muffle furnaces, grinders, and related instrumentation to obtain analytical measurements as required by specific methods. Performs routine calibration and quality control checks on assigned instruments, including pH and electrical conductivity (EC) meters, following established ANSERV Labs protocols; reports any issues or deviations to supervising Laboratory Technician or Chemist. Assists with the operation of analytical instrumentation commonly used in ANSERV Labs, including dry combustion analyzers, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometers (ICP-OES), and continuous flow analyzers.

• Laboratory Maintenance 
• Cleans, maintains, and organizes laboratory equipment, instruments, workstations, and shared spaces to ensure a safe, efficient, and compliant laboratory environment. Assists with routine laboratory upkeep tasks, including proper handling, labeling, and disposal of laboratory waste in accordance with the UF Environmental Health and Safety guidelines.

• Data Compilation, Entry, and Reporting 
• Compiles and tabulates analytical results in accordance with laboratory QA/QC protocols, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail. Identifies potential data discrepancies or errors and promptly notifies the supervising Laboratory Technician or Chemist for review and resolution. Manually enters or electronically uploads analytical data into WebLIMS, the UF/IFAS ANSERV Labs’ web-based Laboratory Information Management System.

• Other Duties as Assigned 

Performs additional laboratory, technical, or support duties as assigned to meet laboratory operational needs and service demands.

$15-$17 per hour, commensurate with education and experience.

Minimum Requirements:

• Associate’s degree and some relevant laboratory experience.
• Ability to follow oral instructions, written laboratory protocols and maintain accurate records.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in an analytical laboratory environment.
• Experience with sample preparation techniques for our sample types.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices and QA/QC procedures.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor degree in Chemistry, Soil Science, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.

In order to be considered, applicants must submit an online application by the posted deadline. The applicants must enclose a resume or CV together with contacts for three professional references. This is an OPS, time-limited position, and continued employment is contingent upon funding availability and satisfactory performance. The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.