Field and laboratory research assistant on plant ecophysiology (PHLISCO Project)

About the Position

The Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3) offers a 6-month full-time research assistant position for the PHLISCO Project, focusing on plant water-use efficiency (WUE) and global change.

Responsibilities

• Perform fieldwork activities, including:

  • Collection of plant samples at heights.
  • Measurements of gas-exchange in plants at heights.
  • Handling of heavy-duty manual tools.
  • Driving vehicles, including trucks with elevated platforms.
  • Collection of morphological measurements.
  • Handling of heavy equipment in the field.
  • In-situ processing of plant samples.
  • Use of pressurized equipment.
  • Perform multi-day trips to collect plant samples along geographical gradients.

• Perform laboratory tasks, including:

  • Processing of plant samples using various equipment.
  • Handling biological enzymes, organic and inorganic solvents.
  • Elemental analyses of soil and plant samples.
  • Handling of liquid nitrogen and ultra-freezers.
  • Preparation of samples for microscopy analyses.
  • Analyses of sugar contents in plant samples.

• Handling inventories, storage, and organization of field and laboratory material.

• Contribute to the organization and cleanliness of laboratory spaces.

• Be responsible for the curation and archiving of plant samples.

• Communicate with the administration team to streamline the purchase of necessary materials.

• Coordinate the organization of field and laboratory work with other participants.

• Coordinate with external users to avoid overbooking of sensitive equipment.

• Digitalize, curate, save, and archive data collected during field campaigns and laboratory work.

Requirements

• Professional training degree (“FP grado medio” or equivalent) in environmental sciences, laboratory management, biology, or related fields. A BSc. Degree (“Grado” or equivalent) in related fields is also encouraged.
• Valid driving permit (EU type B).
• Experience with basic data management, administration, and communication tools: email, Windows file explorer, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or English.
• Interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a team.

Nice to Have

• Previous experience in organizing and supporting field and laboratory experiments.
• Ability to understand and communicate in Basque.
• Fluency in the language computing R.
• Basic statistical knowledge.
• Experience in contributing to scientific publications.
• Certification to work at heights.
• Other valid driving permits (EU C1, C, C1+E, or C+E).

Term of Contract

This position is offered for a period of 6 months starting in Spring 2023, with a probation period of 1 month based on performance.

Salary

The position will carry a competitive salary, matching the academic and professional profile of the applicant, and excellent work conditions.

Location

Basque Centre for Climate Change, Leioa, Spain.

About the Company

As an HR Excellence awarded institution, BC3 is committed to conciliating research-academic requirements and family duties. BC3 is particularly concerned with creating equal opportunities for people independently of gender, culture, and race. Anyone with relevant qualifications is therefore strongly encouraged to apply for the position.

Application Procedure

Fill the form below and upload one PDF document in English or Spanish including:

1. Curriculum vitae (1-2 pages)
2. Motivation letter (300-600 words)
3. Contact details of two personal references.

Deadline

15 April, 2023.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr. Teresa E. Gimeno ([email protected]) noting in the subject of the message “PHLISCO Research Assistant”.

Please consider that only applications sent through the form included at the bottom of the BC3 web page will be considered (https://info.bc3research.org/job-offers/).

Proyecto PHLISCO PID2019-105179GA-I00 del proyecto de investigación financiado por MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033