The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, re-locatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyber-infrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.
JOB SUMMARY
The Manger for Scientific Research Collections and Laboratory Analyses is responsible for planning, implementing and overseeing the archiving and analysis of biological (including tissues, specimens, and blood), physical, and chemical samples collected as part of the observations of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). This position will coordinate and collaborate with NEON scientists to determine, document and establish archiving and analytical needs, develop and/or modify Statements of Work (SOWs) for those services, and support contract management. This person will actively engage with analytical laboratory and archive facilities and related science institutions for the purpose of maintaining a network of capability to serve NOEN’s collections and lab analysis service requirements and laboratory service. This position will also assist with the development and maintenance of required interfaces with other NEON teams, including working with the NEON Cyberinfrastructure team to develop and maintain the Sample Management System.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervise, assign and perform all personnel and activities of the Collections and Laboratory Analysis group – two lab and collections specialists and two senior lab and collections specialists.
- Establish and maintain policies, procedures and facility requirements for NEON archives and analyses; clearly document the breadth and scope of NEON samples to be archived and analyzed.
- Define/implement analytical and archive requirements and Statements of Work:
- Coordinate and collaborate with Staff Scientists and external working groups to develop, review and revise technical requirements for analysis and curation of NEON specimens and samples. This includes determining and incorporating best practices into technical requirements, incorporating plan for managing shared collections and associated data, and developing standard cataloguing criteria for NEON collections.
- Coordinate and collaborate with Staff Scientists, Field Operations and Contracts Administrator to draft, review and revise Statements of Work based on technical requirements and field schedules for sample collection.
- Support Contracts Administrator in developing sourcing strategy and preparing Requests for Information/Proposal.
- Chair evaluation committee to review responses and recommend contractor for selection.
- Manage the process for sample and specimen tracking and archiving:
- Develop, review and revise processes and procedures for sample and specimen tracking.
- Serve as the technical representative on agreements with archive institutions to curate, manage, loan and provide access to NEON samples and with analytical facilities to conduct laboratory analyses.
- Work with NEON Cyber-infrastructure and Data Products teams to implement Sample Asset Management system for sample and specimen tracking.
- Manage technical performance of contract:
- Serve as the technical representative on agreements with archive institutions to curate, manage, loan and provide access to NEON samples and with analytical facilities to conduct laboratory analyses.
- Provide oversight for shipment of samples and specimens shipped based on laboratory capacity.
- Assist Contracts Administrator in managing contract funding, including review and approval of invoices.
- Assist Contracts Administrator in exercising contract options or contract close-out.
- Monitor laboratory performance:
- Evaluate laboratory data for compliance with contract requirements.
- Investigate and resolve issues and problems with processes and procedures for transfer of samples, specimens and data between NEON and contract facilities.
- Investigate issues and problems with laboratory practices.
- Facilitate regular audits of contract facilities performed by NEON Calibration and Validation Laboratory. Assist in resolution of audit findings as needed.
- Alert Contracts Administrator to performance issues related to contracts. Work with Contracts Administrator to resolve contract compliance issues.
- Prepare and present team schedule, status reports, annual plans and budgets.
- Participate in the larger NEON science community by communicating with external scientists; activities may include publications and presentations at meetings and conferences
REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- M.S. in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field, or equivalent (e.g., B.S plus 3 or more years of experience)
- At least 3 years of experience managing, developing and/or curating scientific research collection and/or developing, managing and/or outsourcing laboratory analytical activities
- Demonstrated experience and skill negotiating technical aspects of contracts or partnership agreements
- History of good facilitation and communication experience among multiple partners (e.g., academic, government, private)
- Experience working with government and non-government agencies and universities
- Experience developing and maintaining professional networks to promote and facilitate scientific collaborations
- Familiarity with databases, particularly the platforms used by many collections in the US, biodiversity data standards, and geo-referencing
PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Experience in implementing or managing lab analytical programs
- Experience working with government agencies in the context of ecological research
- History of active engagement with the natural history collections community
- Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise
- Contract Officers Technical Representative training and certification
To apply, go to https://workforcenow.adp.com/jobs/apply/posting.html?client=90c&jobId=91273&lang=en_US&source=CC3