Part Time Microplastics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Penn State Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory seeks a detailoriented Part-Time Microplastics Laboratory Technician/Analyst to support sample processing and instrumental analysis of microplastics usingLDIR imaging spectroscopy. The successful candidate will follow establishedstandard operating procedures (SOPs)to prepare environmental, biological, and ecological samples; operate and maintain sample preparation equipment; run the LDIR from setup through scanning and data generation; and interpret, qualitycheck, and report results consistent with project QA/QC requirements.

This position contributes to multidisciplinary research on contaminants and supports internal and external projects with an emphasis on data integrity, method traceability, and safe laboratory practice.

Key Responsibilities-

Sample Receipt, Preparation & Handling

• Receive, log, and tracksamples; verify chainofcustody, labeling, and documentation.
• Prepare samples per SOPs, employing contaminationcontrolled workflows (e.g., clean benches, glass/metal labware, fiberfree PPE).
• Conductweighing,digestion(oxidative, enzymatic, and/or alkaline/acids where appropriate),density separation,filtration, andrinse/recoverysteps tailored to matrix.
• Manageprocess blanks, positive controls, and spiked recovery standards, and document all deviations and corrective actions.
• Maintainsample preparation equipment(analytical balances, sonicators, vacuum manifolds, density separation apparatus, ovens/desiccators, filtration towers) and consumables inventory.

LDIR Instrument Operation & Data

• Instrument setup & calibration: verify optics, background, alignment, and performance checks; manage spectral libraries and reference materials.
• Slide preparation: mount and condition filters/substrates to minimize background and optimize particle detection.
• Scanning & acquisition: define regions of interest, set particle detection thresholds, spectral resolution, and scanning parameters per SOPs and project specs.
• Data generation & interpretation: review particle segmentation, spectra quality, and classification; assign polymer types, particle size metrics, and morphologies.
• QA/QC & reporting: apply acceptance criteria (e.g., spectral match thresholds, duplicate concordance), validate batch results, compiletechnical reportsanddata tables(including uncertainty estimates, QC summaries, and method notes).

Compensation: $15.00/hour

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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