Marine Geochemist

Caltech; Pasadena, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Caltech is seeking a scientist in marine geochemistry to determine how trace metals partition into CaCO3 through bench and field experiments. You will study CaCO3 precipitation rates in ocean systems using isotope tracers and advanced analytical techniques.

Responsibilities include analyzing Me/Ca in carbonates, applying 13C tracers, and modeling precipitation rate laws. Expertise with Matlab, SIMS, and LA-ICP-MS is essential, with opportunities for fieldwork in marine environments.

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

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

Data analysis

Experiment design

Isotope tracing

Education

Ph.D. in Marine Geochemistry or related field

Tools

Matlab

SIMS

LA-ICP-MS

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.

• 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.

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] .