Research Assistant

This job was posted by https://www.azjobconnection.gov : For more

information, please see: https://www.azjobconnection.gov/jobs/7631522


**Research Assistant**

Northern Arizona University

****Special Information****

• This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to
  
  

complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility

with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are

rare.

• This position is subject to the availability of funding.
• This position is a 0.75 FTE and works 30 hours a week.
  
  

****About the Department/College****

The School of Earth & Sustainability is part of the College of the

Environment, Forestry & Natural Science at Northern Arizona

University\'s Flagstaff Mountain Campus.

**About the Position**

The research assistant oversees the daily operations of the joint Amino

Acid Geochronology and Sedimentary Records of Environmental Change Lab,

and forms a bridge with the ACE Isotope Lab. The position is funded 100%

through grants and contracts. The researcher, with the assistance of

student helpers, analyzes samples for amino acid geochronology, prepares

samples for radiocarbon analyses and measures a variety of biophysical

properties of sediment, mainly from lake sediment cores. The research

assistant oversees the laboratory and supervises students in a variety

of analyses procedures, while assuring high-quality data and a safe

working environment. These analyses are part of externally sponsored

research into environmental and climate change, and geologic hazards

over a range of historical and prehistorical timescales.

**Responsibilities Include**

60% - Laboratory Analysis & Research Support

• Analyze samples for their amino acid composition and radiocarbon
  
  

Ages, Including

• Preparing samples (organics, sediments, carbonates) for analysis by
  
  

HPLC and by AMS 14C;

• Mixing chemicals and loading samples;
• Performing routine maintenance on the HPLC and ancillary equipment;
• Measuring a variety of sediment types for their particle-size
  
  

distribution, biogenic silica and organic matter content;

• Tabulating results, judging their quality, and reporting and
  
  

managing data.

35% - Laboratory Operations & Management

• Oversee the daily operation of the joint, Amino Acid Geochronology
  
  

and Sedimentary Records of Environmental Change Laboratory,

Including

• Supervising and training students and visiting researchers in
  
  

laboratory procedures;

• Stocking laboratory supplies;
• Tracking incoming samples and outgoing results;
• Overseeing lab finances;
• Optimizing lab use;
• Assuring a safe working environment.
  
  

5% - Other

• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

**Minimum Qualifications**

• Bachelor\'s degree in Earth Science, Environmental Science,
  
  

Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biogeochemistry, or related field.

• 2 years of relevant experience.
• \*A combination of related education, experience, and training may be
  
  

used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.*

**Preferred Qualifications**

• Experience with techniques and equipment used in the laboratory.
• Supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of Quaternary geochronology and paleoenvironments.
• Knowledge of organic chemistry.
  
  

**Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities**

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the use of laboratory instruments.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject
  
  

disciplines.

Skills

• Organizational and project management skills.
• Leadership, coordination, and supervision skills.
• Data collection, processing and analysis.
  
  

Abilities

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Communicates effectively.
  
  

****Compensation****

Salary range is \$38,314 to \$47,892. Annual salary commensurate with

candidate\'s qualification and related experience.

**Pre-Employment Check**

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the

following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history

verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to

employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint

background check. Also, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is

required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists

employers with verifying new employees\' right to work in the United

States.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive

position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University

requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background

investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in

some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that

requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor

Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to

the clearinghouse requirements.