Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Innovative Mass Spectrometry CRC-MC-ICP-MS​/MS

Academic Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Innovative Mass Spectrometry with CRC-MC-ICP-MS/MS

Research | Prytulak | Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences | Faculty of Science (Julie Prytulak)

August 31, 2026

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

December 31, 2029

As per the Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary is $65,000 CAD per annum.

University of British Columbia – Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences

Pacific Centre for Isotope and Geochemistry Research

Term: 3 years

Preferred start:
January 2027

Salary: $65,000 CAD

Location:

UBC Vancouver campus

Supervisor:
Prof. Julie Prytulak

Job Overview: Applications are invited for a full-time three-year postdoc in innovative mass spectrometry. The main roles include operating, maintaining, and developing metal isotope measurement techniques using a Sapphire XD CRC-MC-ICP-MS/MS, installed in the Department of Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS) at the Pacific Centre for Isotope and Geochemistry Research (PCIGR) in 2027. The day-to-day operations and maintenance of the instrument constitute 60% of the role.

The remaining 40% focuses on technique development for stable metal isotope applications (e.g., Fe, V, Zn) leveraging the potential order‑of‑magnitude reduction in sample mass requirement enabled by the Sapphire XD. The position is part‑funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) as part of the funding package for the operation of Sapphire XD.

The unifying theme is excellence in isotope geochemistry and mass spectrometry. The postdoc will join a growing research group focused on applying innovative metal isotope techniques to magmatic, oceanic and environmental studies, alongside an experienced technical team  successful candidate will be at the forefront of pioneering technological advancements and report directly to Prof. Prytulak. The postdoc will work with Prof. Prytulak, her research group, and the wider technical team at PCIGR to publish technical and conceptual papers.

Duties include day‑to‑day instrument operation and training of other users, collaboration with the manufacturer Nu Instruments, development of MC‑ICP‑MS/MS techniques, mentoring graduate students, preparation of publications, and presentation of work nationally and internationally. The postdoc will have opportunities to collaborate with the wider UBC and EOAS department on applications ranging from igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary processes to oceanographic and environmental studies.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. We particularly encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

• A PhD in Earth Science or a related quantitative field (must be awarded before appointment)
• No more than 5 years of previous postdoctoral experience
• Ability to work in a team and meet deadlines
• Direct clean lab experience, including ion exchange chromatography
• Direct MC‑ICP‑MS experience, including independent instrument operation
• Capacity to train and guide instrument users
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Commitment to EDI principles and practices

• Experience with mass filter and/or collision cell technology
• Previous work with metal stable isotope systems
• Programming skills and willingness to innovate and streamline data reduction
• Experience with MC‑ICP‑MS maintenance and diagnostics
• Publication record commensurate with career stage