Research Engineer Scientist III

Purpose of Position

Manage the Luminescence Laboratory housed within the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department. Prepare geological samples for luminescence dating analysis. Supervise and train students and laboratory visitors. Maintain daily operations of laboratory, including sample database. Assist with community outreach activities. Develop and refine novel dating methods. Occasionally travel for field research campaigns.

Essential Functions

• Train laboratory visitors and students how to prepare samples in an organized and safe manner, how to execute measurements, and how to analyze the results.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), with accompanying photos and/or videos, documenting the steps involved for routine laboratory methods.
• Perform fee-for-service work on samples sent from external users, including research collaborators, and contracted work from industry, and state and federal governments. For this duty, the technician will perform sample preparation, and luminescence measurements. In consultation with Brown, the technician will then analyze the results and prepare final reports.
• Developing and refining novel luminescence dating methods for applications in geomorphology.
• Troubleshoot instrumental components of the Risø luminescence reader in communication with the Risø technical staff.
• Cleaning measurement discs, cleaning the rock saws and drill, ordering laboratory disposables, exchanging compressed nitrogen cylinders, maintaining field equipment, sending off subsamples for gamma irradiation and elemental analysis and thin section preparation, and overseeing laboratory organization and records keeping.
• Community outreach. Work with Brown to organize a 1-day workshop on hard rock applications of luminescence dating.
• Translate several existing MATLAB thermochronology functions into R for publication in the ‘Luminescence’ package
• Migrate existing sample database into the Sparrow open-source data system.
• Occasionally join field research campaigns.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in geology or a related field, and two (2) years of experience in luminescence laboratory operations, including sample preparation, instrument operation, and analysis of results.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in geology or a related field, and two years of experience in luminescence laboratory operations, including sample preparation, instrument operation (especially Risø automated luminescence reader), and analysis of results.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and chemical inventorying.
• Experience with programming languages, especially MATLAB and R.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must have good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to train students and laboratory visitors.
• Interest in novel geomorphic applications of luminescence is beneficial.
  
  

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday; 8:00am through 5:00pm
• Occasional travel for field research campaigns
• Position is funded by a 5 year NSF grant that is currently in year 2.
  
  

Benefits Information

Position is benefit eligible: Yes

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