Geochemical Laboratory Coordinator - 530923

The University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Geochemical Laboratory Coordinator at The University of Alabama supports analytical planning for faculty and graduate students in Geological Sciences. The role involves precise analyses of aqueous and solid samples using ICP-OES, ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, and IC techniques, ensuring timely, accurate results.

Responsibilities include method development, instrument maintenance, QA/QC documentation, safety compliance, and training students and lab users to uphold high analytical standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in geochemistry or chemistry and two years of laboratory experience, or a doctorate in geochemistry or chemistry with lab experience.
• Experience with ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and isotope analysis in a lab setting.
• Knowledge of QA/QC, data management, and laboratory safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist in determining analytical requirements for faculty and graduate students in Geological Sciences.
• Operate and maintain ICP-OES, ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, IC, and microwave digestion systems.
• Develop and validate analytical methods and manage QA/QC records; train lab users.

Skills

ICP-MS

ICP-OES

Isotope analysis

QA/QC

Lab safety

Education

Master's degree in geochemistry or chemistry

PhD in geochemistry or chemistry

Tools

Ion Chromatography

LA-ICP-MS

ICP-OES

Microwave digestion

Job description

Pay Grade/Pay Range:Minimum: $54,000 - Midpoint: $67,500 (Salaried E8)

Department/Organization:204441 - Geological Sciences

Normal Work Schedule:Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary:The Geochemical Laboratory Coordinator assists in determining and implementing the analytical requirements of the faculty and graduate students in the Department of Geological Sciences, as well as other departments and colleges. Works closely with faculty and students to accomplish timely, accurate, and precise analyses of aqueous samples using chromatographic (IC) and spectroscopic (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, GFAA) techniques.

Additional Department Summary:Supports the Geological Elemental Analysis Laboratory (GEAL), with primary responsibility for inorganic chemical, trace-element, and isotope analysis of aqueous and solid samples. The position operates and maintains ICP-OES, ion chromatography, ICP-MS/LA-ICP-MS, and microwave digestion systems; prepares and analyzes samples; develops and validates analytical methods; manages quality-control records; supports laboratory safety and organization; and trains and assists laboratory users.

Required Minimum Qualifications:Master's degree in geochemistry or chemistry and two (2) years of laboratory experience ; OR doctorate in geochemistry or chemistry and some laboratory experience.

Skills and Knowledge:Knowledge of ICP-MS, laser-ablation ICP-MS, ICP-OES, ion chromatography, and related analytical workflows; instrument calibration, tuning, maintenance, and troubleshooting; microwave-assisted acid digestion and other sample-preparation methods; trace-element and isotope analysis; analytical method development and validation; QA/QC and data management; chemical hygiene, PPE, waste management, laboratory safety, inventory, and instrument scheduling.

Preferred Qualifications:Master's degree in geochemistry, analytical chemistry, geology/earth sciences, environmental chemistry/science, or a closely related field.
Hands-on experience operating and maintaining advanced geochemical analytical instrumentation, especially ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and ion chromatographs. Experience with trace-element or isotope analysis, analytical method development, QA/QC, scientific data interpretation, laboratory safety/compliance, and training students or other laboratory users is preferred.

Background Investigation Statement:Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity:The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.

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