Geochronology & Thermochronology Laboratory Manager

Geochronology & Thermochronology Laboratory Manager

The candidate will manage and operate laser‑ablation U/Th‑Pb and U/Th‑He laboratories and accompanying mineral separation facilities. The Geochronology and Thermochronology Laboratory Manager is expected to independently carry out research and management responsibilities, including financial management within the lab.

This position has a preferred start date between June and August of 2026, but a later start date in the 2026 calendar year is possible.

• Operation and management of an ESI NWR
  193 laser‑ablation system coupled with Agilent 7900 quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer used for U‑Pb dating (e.g., zircon, monazite, apatite, titanite, rutile) as well as trace‑element analysis and compositional imaging.
• Operation and management of an ESI NWR
  193 (or similar) laser‑ablation system (to be installed, Fall 2026) coupled with an Element2 sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, focusing on the U‑Pb dating of accessory minerals and carbonates.
• Operation and management of an ASI Alphachron Helium mass spectrometer used for U/Th‑He thermochronology (e.g., zircon, monazite, titanite, apatite) and He diffusion experiments.
• Management of department mineral‑separation and rock‑preparation facilities (rock saws, jaw crusher, shatterbox, disc mill, sieve shaker, water table, Frantz magnetic separator, and heavy liquids).

• Conduct operation and maintenance of the instruments.
• Schedule, train, and assist users (internal and external).
• Design laboratory protocols and experiments to achieve the measurement goals of the lab.

• Write methodologies as appropriate for publications.
• Manage the budgeting of laboratory expenses, billing, and purchasing from month to year as necessary to keep the labs operational and performing at a high level.

• Master's Degree required. A degree in Earth Science is preferred although other natural science or engineering degrees will be considered if the candidate has the requisite professional experience and meets the desired qualifications.
• A minimum of 5 to 6 years of experience (including relevant graduate research) with high-level, independent operation, calibration, and routine maintenance of mass spectrometers for isotopic analysis.
• Supervisory and management experience required.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in:

• Radio‑isotope chronology and their accompanying laboratory methods
  • In particular: U‑Pb and U/Th‑He chronology (such as zircon, monazite, apatite, titanite, or rutile)
  • Also:
    Re‑Os, K‑Ar, Lu‑Hf, Sm‑Nd, U-series
• Standard mineral separation facilities
• Mechanical and electrical repair
• Vacuum pumps and vacuum systems
• Ph.D. preferred

• Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
• A retirement plan that provides two‑for‑one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long‑term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

The salary range for this position is $62,000 to $77,000. A higher salary may be possible for an exceptionally well-qualified candidate.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.