Associate Research Scientist

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Texas A&M University invites applications for an Associate Research Scientist to oversee the daily operations, maintenance, user support, and continued development of the R. Ken Williams ’45 Radiogenic Isotope Geosciences Laboratory, a premier College of Arts and Sciences research facility. The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and developing analytical methods using advanced geochemical instrumentation, including ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS, TIMS, HR-ICP-MS, and/or laser ablation systems. The Associate Research Scientist will also be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the facility’s clean laboratory environment and analytical capabilities. They will provide technical expertise in radiogenic isotope geochemistry, inorganic geochemistry, clean laboratory protocols, instrument maintenance and optimization, method development, data quality assurance, and reporting. They will support faculty, students, postdoctoral researchers, visiting scientists, and external users through training, analytical support, and oversight of laboratory operations.

Requirements

• PhD degree in geology, oceanography, chemistry, or a closely related discipline
• Three years of related experience in a specialized and relevant field of research.
• Ability to move light office materials (up to 50 lbs.)
• Sit or stand for extended periods at a workstation.
• At least 3 years’ related experience with inorganic geochemistry, clean laboratory protocols, and instrumentation housed within the Radiogenic Laboratory.
• Technical understanding of operation and maintenance of the mass spectrometers and their software used in the Radiogenic Laboratory.
• Demonstrated proficiency with laboratory and hardware tools.
• Ability to effectively communicate with faculty, staff, and students.
• Detail-oriented and have strong organizational skills.
• Independent and self-reliant and have excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to multi-task and work cooperatively and respectfully with others.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conducts routine preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Trains and supports laboratory users, including students, research assistants, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scientists.
• Provides technical support for research activities involving laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and sample analysis.
• Assists in the development and implementation of new laboratory methods and analytical procedures.
• Performs sample analyses for external users, including data quality assurance, data analysis, and reporting of results.
• Oversees day-to-day facility operations, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the laboratory, including invoicing and procurement of laboratory supplies.
• Contributes to facility design and renovation projects, website maintenance, strategic planning, and long-term growth initiatives.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree