Postdoctoral Research Fellow - High Precision U-Pb Geochronology

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Vancouver is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in High Precision U-Pb Geochronology. The role involves conducting independent research and supporting a state-of-the-art geochronology facility. Candidates should have a PhD in Earth Science, experience in clean lab environments, and familiarity with mass spectrometry techniques. An inclusive work culture is emphasized, welcoming applications from underrepresented groups.

Qualifications

• Relevant PhD and experience in U-Pb data reduction is required.
• Leadership ability and team collaboration skills desired.
• Clean lab and TIMS experience essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research and support geochronological facilities.
• Prepare and analyze samples using advanced mass spectrometry.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team at UBC.

Skills

PhD in Earth Science or a related quantitative field

Experience working in a clean lab environment

Experience using thermal ionisation mass spectrometry

Ability to work in a team and meet deadlines

Education

PhD in Earth Science

Tools

Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (TIMS)

Laser Ablation ICP-MS

Job description

Overview

Academic Job Category: Faculty Non Bargaining. Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow - High Precision U-Pb Geochronology. Department: Research | Prytulak | Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences | Faculty of Science (Julie Prytulak). Posting End Date: October 15, 2025. Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date: January 15, 2029. This is a three (3) year position with the possibility to extend. Salary for this position will be $65,000 per annum. Preferred start date is 15 January 2026.

Responsibilities

Applications are invited for a three-year postdoctoral fellowship in high precision uranium-lead geochronology to join the research team at the Pacific Centre for Isotope and Geochemistry Research (PCIGR). The duties of this position are split approximately 50/50 between the individual research program of the postdoctoral researcher, and supporting the high-precision U-Pb geochronological facilities PCIGR. The researcher will work closely with Dr. Corey Wall, the facility manager for PCIGR and a U-Pb specialist. Duties include preparing and analysing samples using chemical abrasion thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (CA-TIMS), preparing mineral mounts, set up of LA-ICP-MS analyses, and operating a quadrupole inductively coupled mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The postdoctoral researcher will also develop their own research program, with research support available for analytical work undertaken at PCIGR. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will have opportunities – and are encouraged - to collaborate with the wider UBC and Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Science (EOAS) department, working on applications ranging from igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary processes to environmental studies.

Equity and Diversity

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been under-represented or discouraged. 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.

About PCIGR

The Pacific Centre for Isotope and Geochemistry Research (PCIGR) is world-class integrated analytical facility and a UBC Shared Research Platform. Our mission is to enable scientific advancement and societal benefit through the provision of world-leading and accessible research facilities, innovative methodologies and analytical services, and high-quality training for the next generation of scientists. The facilities comprise 16 state-of-the-art instruments including two thermal ionisation mass spectrometers, laser ablation and triple quad ICP-MS, sample preparation clean laboratories. The facility is supported by a resident research team, and highly specialized laboratory staff. The overall team comprises emerging to established scientists from diverse disciplines. Uranium-lead geochronology has a rich history at UBC and PCIGR. Specific to the advertised role, the facility currently has a dedicated ultra-low blank clean lab for U-Pb separations and a dedicated thermal ionization mass spectrometer equipped with 10^13 resistors to facilitate high-precision dating of exceedingly low U and Pb contents by chemical abrasion (CA-TIMS). We are active members in the EarthTime community and participate in interlaboratory experiments as well as attend workshops and conferences.

Role Requirements

• A PhD in Earth Science or a related quantitative field
• Experience working in a clean lab environment
• Experience using thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS)
• Experience in U-Pb data reduction protocol(s) (e.g., Iolite, Tripoli, UPB_Redux)
• Capacity to lead projects with collaborators
• Ability to work in a team and meet deadlines

Desirable

• Programming skills and willingness to streamline data reduction
• Experience working with laser ablation ICP-MS

Application process

For informal enquiries, please contact [e-mail]

To apply, please email [e-mail] using the subject: PCIGR U-Pb postdoc application and provide:

• current curriculum vitae
• cover letter highlighting how you meet the required criteria (max 2 pages)
• description of proposed research (max 2 pages)
• one recent publication
• names and contact information for 3 references (no letters necessary)

Deadline: 15 October 2025 (position to remain open until filled)