Marine Geochemist

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

California Institute of Technology seeks a researcher to determine how trace metals partition into CaCO3 through benchtop experiments and fieldwork, while exploring CaCO3 precipitation theories in the ocean.

You will run dual syringe pump CaCO3 precipitation experiments, analyze carbonates for Me/Ca, and perform 13C tracer experiments to quantify rate laws, supported by SIMS and LA-ICP-MS analyses.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Marine Geochemistry or related field.
• Experience with dual syringe pump precipitation experiments.
• Experience with isotope tracer analysis.
• Knowledge of Matlab programming.

Responsibilities

• Run dual syringe pump CaCO3 precipitation experiments.
• Analyze carbonates and experimental wafers for Me/Ca ratios.
• Implement pure 13C tracer experiments to measure calcite and aragonite precipitation rate laws.
• Analyze solids with SIMS and LA-ICP-MS.
• Compare experimental data to fundamental theory and develop new models of carbonate precipitation rate laws and metal incorporation into CaCO3.

Skills

Matlab programming

Isotope tracer analysis

Dual syringe pump experiments

Education

Ph.D. in Marine Geochemistry or related field

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Determine the partitioning of trace metals into CaCO3 via benchtop experiments and fieldwork. Investigate the theory of CaCO3 precipitation rate in the ocean.

Essential Job Duties

• Run dual syringe pump CaCO3 precipitation experiments.
• Analyze carbonates and experimental wafers for Me/Ca ratios.
• Implement pure 13C tracer experiments to measure calcite and aragonite precipitation rate laws.
• Analyze solids with SIMS and LA-ICP-MS.
• Compare experimental data to fundamental theory and develop new models of carbonate precipitation rate laws and metal incorporation into CaCO3.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Marine Geochemistry or related field.
• Experience with dual syringe pump precipitation experiments.
• Experience with isotope tracer analysis.
• Knowledge of Matlab programming.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with data-model-theory comparisons of precipitation theory.
• Experience with atom scale to global aspects of the problem.

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$59,800 to $85,900 per year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].