Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory Scientist

University of Alaska; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Health insurance

Generous leave and holidays

Tuition waivers for UAF courses

Job summary

The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks invites applications for an Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory Scientist. This full-time, exempt role provides support for university research, student training, and externally sponsored projects within advanced analytical facilities.

You will operate electron microprobe analysis, SEM, XRF, XRD, and Raman systems; develop methods, prepare geological samples, train facility users, and maintain safety and quality documentation in a

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in geoscience, geology, mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, materials science, chemistry, or related field (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 2 years operating advanced analytical instruments, developing lab methods, and interpreting data or supporting a shared-use facility.
• PhD degree in a related field is preferred.
• Experience with NSF or federal grant reporting is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced preparation, characterization, and analysis of geological materials.
• Develop and validate analytical methods; evaluate and organize analytical data.
• Draft reports and summaries; train students and researchers; ensure quality and safety documentation.
• Collaborate with principal investigators and stakeholders on analytical approaches for mineral and earth-material applications.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data interpretation

Laboratory safety

Education

Master’s degree in geoscience or closely related field

PhD degree preferred

Tools

Electron microprobe

Scanning electron microscopy

X-ray fluorescence

X-ray diffraction

Raman spectroscopy

Job description

The Geophysical Institute is a research-focused organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers a competitive work environment with strong benefits, including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute values collaboration, accountability, and the exchange of ideas. We foster a professional and respectful environment dedicated to serving Alaska through applied science. Career growth and professional development are supported and encouraged.

As a public, regional, comprehensive university, UAF welcomes applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

The Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory Scientist performs advanced preparation, characterization, and analysis of geological and related materials in support of university research, student training, externally sponsored projects, and Alaska Critical Mineral Accelerator initiatives. The Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory (AIL) is established and specializes in surface and elemental analysis as well as electron microscopy - https://www.gi.alaska.edu/facilities/ail

The position independently operates and supports a suite of analytical and imaging systems, including electron microprobe analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The Laboratory Scientist prepares complex geological samples, develops and validates analytical methods, evaluates and organizes analytical data, maintains quality and safety documentation, drafts reports and summaries, and trains students, researchers, and other facility users.

Working under the direction of Dr. Sean P. Regan and Dr. Nathan Graham, the position collaborates with principal investigators, research teams, industry partners, government agencies, and ACMA stakeholders to develop analytical approaches for routine and non-routine critical-mineral and earth-material applications.

To thrive in this position, the successful candidate must be equally comfortable performing detailed hands-on laboratory work, applying independent scientific judgment to complex analytical questions, and conducting data synthesis and interpreting results for both reports and publications. The position requires proficiency in geological sample preparation, operation of sophisticated analytical instrumentation, method development, data-quality evaluation, and interpretation of mineralogical, textural, and chemical data. The position also requires the ability to develop reports and publications, such as the Department of Natural Resources' Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File Publications https://dggs.alaska.gov/pubs/series/dggs/raw-data-file.

Success requires careful organization, patience, mechanical aptitude, scientific curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to laboratory safety and data integrity. The successful candidate will work effectively with users with varying levels of laboratory experience, clearly communicate analytical capacities and limitations, and shift between routine service work and non-routine research applications without compromising quality or documentation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in geoscience, geology, mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, materials science, chemistry, or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience operating multiple advanced analytical instruments, developing laboratory methods, interpreting scientific data, or supporting a complex shared-use analytical facility; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD degree in a related field.
• Experience working in the mining sector, economic development, innovation ecosystems, research programs, or resource-based industries.
• Familiarity with NSF, federal grant reporting, or similar program requirements.

Position Details:

This position is full-time, Grade 80, term-funded, exempt, 12-month position complete with a competitive salary and UA employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental, and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA staff salary schedule based on education and experience.

This position will be physically located at the UAF campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. The successful finalist will be expected to report to duty at the UAF office on the first day of employment.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process.

The University of Alaska (UA) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

The University of Alaska reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at University of Alaska facilities. Remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the discretion of the University. Remote work for employees based outside the State of Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or where required by the job duties of the position.