Postdoctoral Research Associate (Clumped Isotope Geochemistry)

Location: College Station, Texas, United States; onsite laboratory work

Company

Texas A&M University conducts academic research and education in geology, geophysics, and Earth sciences.

What you will do

• Conduct heating experiments to quantify carbon-oxygen clumped isotope resetting kinetics in carbonate minerals.
• Prepare, load, and seal carbonate samples in quartz tubes and characterize them using thin-section petrography, scanning electron microscopy, and related techniques.
• Analyze samples with a stable light-isotope-ratio mass spectrometer and the automated carbonate reaction system.
• Model kinetic data using clumped isotope reordering models and programs such as the Isotopylog Python package.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on the 253 Plus IRMS and automated carbonate reaction system.
• Lead the preparation and submission of manuscripts based on research findings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Geology or an equivalent science.
• Approximately two years of experience performing clumped isotope analyses on carbonate minerals.
• Experience conducting clumped isotope heating experiments and using clumped isotope reordering models.
• Approximately two years of experience with simple IRMS maintenance and repairs.
• Experience using vacuum lines for gas-handling systems and ability to write scientific papers.
• Ability to lift, carry, load, or unload heavy instructional materials.

Nice to have

• Experience with a Thermo Fisher Scientific 253 Plus IRMS and Kiel automated carbonate system.
• Scientific curiosity and interest in experimental isotope geochemistry.

Culture & Benefits

• Research is supported by an NSF grant; future employment may depend on continued funding.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment, flexible spending, and long-term disability insurance.
• 12–15 paid annual holidays, monthly paid sick leave, and paid vacation.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Free exercise programs and paid wellness release time.

Hiring process

• Submit an application with complete application data or an attached resume.
• A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.
• Employment requires credential verification and a criminal history investigation.