This position is for a Laboratory Assistant needed to perform tasks in support of multi-wavelength light absorption analysis.
The Air Quality Monitoring Team (AQMT) is a research unit of the Air Quality Research Center that specializes in particulate monitoring at over 300 sites across the US. Half of the field sites are at National Parks and Wilderness Areas such as Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park while the other half are located in urban areas such as Phoenix, AZ and New York, NY. Since the late 1970s, UCD air quality scientists have been leaders in the characterization and analysis of the microscopic airborne particles that cause regional haze, the kind of air pollution that impairs visibility over widespread protected environments.
To study air pollution’s impact on air quality and visibility, filter light absorption measurements are performed utilizing a custom built Hybrid Integrating Plate/Sphere Method (HIPS). A new multi-wavelength instrument has recently been constructed that requires extensive testing.
The major laboratory responsibilities consist of preparation of air filters for analysis, instrument operation of HIPS and guided data analysis (as needed).
The work is performed under the general direction of the Laboratory Manager and direct supervision by Laboratory Technicians and a project scientist. Resources include a highly qualified staff that handles a wide range of tasks involved in particulate monitoring and aerosol research.