Geochronology Lab Technician III

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix; Tucson (AZ); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability programs

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holidays

Tuition reduction

Job summary

The University of Arizona Department of Geosciences invites applications for a Research Technician III to conduct sample preparation and isotopic analyses in the Arizona LaserChron Center. You will mount, polish, image, and separate minerals, coordinate with researchers, and help generate geochronology data.

Strong knowledge of detrital zircon geochronology and experience with SEM, mass spectrometry, and MATLAB data processing are required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of U‑Pb geochronology, especially detrital zircon.
• Experience operating mass spectrometers and excimer lasers.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety protocols and maintain a clean environment.

Responsibilities

• Mounting detrital zircon and accessory minerals.
• Polishing mounts and acquiring optical images, cleaning between samples.
• Ordering mounting supplies as needed.
• Tracking and recording samples through zircon extraction, mounting, SEM, and isotopic analysis.
• Performing mineral separation including Frantz and heavy liquid methods.
• Assist SEM and mass spectrometer operation for data collection.
• Train students and visiting researchers on mounting, polishing, imaging.

Skills

U-Pb geochronology

SEM operation

Data reduction (MATLAB)

Sample tracking

Communication with researchers

Education

Bachelor’s degree

High school diploma

Tools

Mass spectrometer

Excimer laser

Scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Frantz magnetic separator

Job description

The University of Arizona Department of Geosciences invites applications for a Research Technician III to conduct sample preparation and isotopic analyses in the Arizona LaserChron Center. You will mount, polish, image, and separate minerals, coordinate with researchers, and help generate geochronology data.

Strong knowledge of detrital zircon geochronology and experience with SEM, mass spectrometry, and MATLAB data processing are required.