Research Associate

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

information, please see: https://www.azjobconnection.gov/jobs/7631523


**Research Associate**

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.
  
  

****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 researcher 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 researcher

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**

50% - Laboratory Analysis & Data Management

• 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.

25% - Laboratory Administration & Operations

• 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.
  
  

20% - Research & Scientific Communication

• Conduct and report on scientific research, including:
• designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, preparing
  
  

manuscripts for publications, assisting with proposal writing, and

presenting findings at professional meetings.

5% - Other

• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

**Minimum Qualifications**

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

Biogeochemistry, or related field.

• 4 years of research 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.
• Experience with research into Quaternary geochronology and
  
  

paleoenvironments.

• Supervisory experience.
  
  

**Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities**

Knowledge

• Knowledge of organic chemistry.
• 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

• Highly motivated to perform research in a collaborative environment.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Communicates effectively.
  
  

****Compensation****

Salary range is \$58,882 to \$73,434. Annual salary commensurate with

candidate\'s qualifications 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, em