Trace Element Geochemist

Barrios Technology • Houston, TX

2d

About The Position

Barrios Technology is seeking a Trace Element Geochemist to join the JETSII Contract. The role supports NASA’s deep space exploration pursuits and involves analyzing astromaterial samples and analogs in a clean laboratory environment. The geochemist will prepare samples and conduct analyses using ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS, apply ion-chromatography methods, and contribute to contamination minimization and clean techniques.

The position also provides laboratory and facility support, including supply and equipment procurement and inventory, instrument calibration, and routine maintenance. The geochemist will validate, summarize, and communicate quantitative results; document procedures and results; participate in safety programs; and work with in-house and visiting researchers on sample preparation and analysis.

The role generally involves an office environment but may include indoor or outdoor work depending on the task. It may require sitting for extended periods, lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds, entering test-facility areas, commuting, and traveling to other installations. Work outside the normal schedule may be required during peak periods or surges. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation; eligibility for access to classified information may also be required. A post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree and two to five years of experience.
• Experience working in a clean laboratory environment, preparing samples, and using ion-chromatography.
• Experience conducting experiments, summarizing results, preparing reports for internal and external use, and contributing to abstracts and manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience operating an ICP-MS or MC-ICP-MS instrument.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Good computer skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information if subject to a government security investigation.
• Ability to sit for extended periods, lift and carry up to 25 pounds, and access test-facility areas when necessary.
• Regular attendance in accordance with the established work schedule.
• Ability to work outside the normal schedule and adjust schedules for peak periods and surge requirements when required.
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere and maintain professional behavior that promotes productivity, teamwork, and cooperation.
• Grooming and dress appropriate to the position and not creating a safety risk or hazard.
• May be required to commute and travel to other installations.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an associated technical discipline and four years of related experience, or a master’s degree in an associated technical discipline with two years of related experience, or a Ph.D. in an associated technical discipline.
• Graduate degree and at least two years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Experience developing ion-chromatography methods.
• Experience analyzing samples with MC-ICP-MS, particularly for non-traditional stable isotope systems.
• Experience with mineral separations and micro-sampling.
• Familiarity with irreplaceable astromaterial samples.

Responsibilities

• Analyze astromaterial samples and analogs.
• Utilize ion-chromatography methods in a clean laboratory setting.
• Contribute to contamination minimization and clean techniques.
• Prepare samples for and perform analyses on ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS instruments.
• Provide general and facility support for laboratory users, including procurement and inventory of supplies and equipment, instrument calibration, and routine maintenance.
• Validate, summarize, and communicate quantitative results.
• Document procedures and results meticulously and participate in safety programs.
• Work with in-house and visiting researchers on sample preparation and analysis.
• Perform other duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level