Associate Research Scientist

Job Title

Associate Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Geology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Here’s a Glimpse of the Job

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.

Opportunities to Contribute

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

A well-qualified candidate for this position will also possess:

• 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.

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate's education and experience.

Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

What you need to do

Apply! We highly recommend a cover letter and CV/Resume, highlighting especially your technical experience with the instruments in the Radiogenic Lab, be submitted with your application to assist us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume. 

Why Texas A&M University? 

Texas A&M University is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment built on our Core Values: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Located in College Station, Texas, our vibrant university community offers world-class athletics, cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation, and the George H. W. Bush Library—all with a high quality of life, low cost of living, and easy commutes.

Comprehensive Benefits and Perks:

• 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 

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.