Assistant Research Scientist

Glimpse of the Job

The Fitzsimmons Group in the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas is hiring an Assistant Research Scientist to join a collaborative research team studying ocean trace metal chemistry and marine biogeochemical processes. The successful candidate will serve a laboratory and field program manager role, involving helping to lead funded research projects involving the collection, analysis, and interpretation of seawater samples and trace metal data.

Research topics include trace metal analytical methods, deep-sea mining, hydrothermal plumes, polar oceanography, and marine biogeochemistry. The position involves participating in oceanographic field expeditions, conducting laboratory analyses, mentoring students, managing laboratory operations, and contributing to scientific proposals, publications, and presentations. This position may require 1-12 weeks of business travel per year and may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

• Manage the daily operation and organization of the research laboratory, including the trace metal clean room.
• Manage laboratory inventory, supplies, equipment, and safety compliance.
• Train laboratory personnel in safety procedures, analytical methods, and best practices.
• Mentor students and provide technical support for research activities.
• Prepare equipment and supplies for oceanographic field campaigns.
• Lead or assist with field sampling operations and troubleshoot field equipment as needed.
• Collect, process, and manage research samples following established quality-control procedures.
• Conduct trace metal analyses using wet chemistry and ICP-MS techniques.
• Analyze, interpret, and report research data while ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Prepare figures, tests, and references for manuscripts, presentations, and/or grant proposals.
• Collaborate with research teams to publish and communicate scientific findings.
• Maintain laboratory websites and other research communication materials.

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

Special

Note:

This position is funded from grant, donor, and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance.

PhD in Oceanography, Earth Science, or a related field. Relevant professional experience with making geochemical analyses and taking shipboard sample collections lity to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat/cold – for required shipboard fieldwork from the tropics to Antarctica. Ability to move heavy objects with assistance – for lab organization and shipboard fieldwork.

Ability to drive a vehicle – for lab organization and fieldwork. Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations for 1-12 weeks at a time by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines – for conferences and fieldwork. A well-qualified candidate may also possess:
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative research environment. Ability to work independently and maintain effective professional relationships. Experience working in trace metal clean rooms. Familiarity with shipboard collection of trace metal clean samples and team leadership wledge of analyzing samples by plasma mass spectrometry. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Experience with trace metal, isotope, and speciation analyses. Experience with oceanographic field sampling and laboratory instrumentation.

Experience mentoring students or research personnel. Strong organizational, analytical, and scientific writing skills. Advanced problem-solving skills.

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