Research Assistant Professor - Isotope Geochemistry
Department: Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
About the role
The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston is seeking a non-tenure track Research Assistant Professor in Isotope Geochemistry. This full-time position is based on a 9-month academic year schedule. Summer salary support may be available during the first two years contingent on funding and reappointment. After this initial period, and pending reappointment, the candidate will be expected to lead and contribute to grant writing efforts to secure continued summer salary funding.
The role is a mix of laboratory management (70%) and independent research (30%). The successful candidate will manage and support research operations in two mass spectrometry laboratories: the MC-ICP-MS Lab (NuPlasma 2, Q-ICP-MS, Laser-ablation system) and the TIMS Lab (Triton Plus, Triton XT), both of which have dedicated clean chemistry labs for sample preparation.
Responsibilities
- Manage and maintain MC-ICP-MS and TIMS mass spectrometry laboratories, including associated clean chemistry labs.
- Ensure proper training for all lab users and adherence to lab safety protocols.
- Oversee wet chemical processing of geological materials.
- Assist students and post-doctoral researchers while developing independent research in fields such as petrology, Earth-system evolution, volcanology, or planetary science/cosmochemistry.
- Lead and contribute to grant writing efforts to secure funding for continued summer salary support after the initial two-year period.
Requirements
- Doctorate degree in Earth and planetary sciences or related fields.
- Significant experience in mass spectrometry, specifically with TIMS and/or MC-ICP-MS instruments.
- Experience in the operation and upkeep of clean lab facilities.
- Home address in the state of Texas for the duration of the appointment.
About the department
The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences offers a vibrant research environment with cutting-edge analytical facilities, including TIMS, LA-ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS, IRMS, QQQ-ICPMS, and ICP-OES labs, as well as sample preparation facilities.