Research Assistant

Northern Arizona University; Flagstaff (AZ); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Arizona University’s School of Earth & Sustainability in Flagstaff seeks a Research Assistant to oversee daily operations of the Amino Acid Geochronology Lab and bridge with the ACE Isotope Lab. The position is grant-funded and 0.75 FTE, on-site at NAU.

The role includes supervising students, preparing samples for HPLC and AMS 14C, and ensuring high-quality data and safety across environmental and climate research tasks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biogeochemistry, or related field.
• 2 years of relevant experience.
• A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Analyze samples for amino acid composition and radiocarbon ages, including preparing samples for analysis by HPLC and AMS 14C.
• Oversee daily operation and supervise students; stock supplies and track samples; ensure safety and data quality.
• Coordinate lab finances and optimize lab use.

Skills

Laboratory leadership

Project management

Data collection & analysis

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Earth Science or related field

Tools

HPLC

AMS 14C

Laboratory instruments

Job description

Special Information

• This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.
• This position is subject to the availability of funding.
• This position is a 0.75 FTE and works 30 hours a week.

About the Department/College

The School of Earth & Sustainability is part of the College of the Environment, Forestry & Natural Science at Northern Arizona University's Flagstaff Mountain Campus.

About the Position

The research assistant oversees the daily operations of the joint Amino Acid Geochronology and Sedimentary Records of Environmental Change Lab, and forms a bridge with the ACE Isotope Lab. The position is funded 100% through grants and contracts. The researcher, with the assistance of student helpers, analyzes samples for amino acid geochronology, prepares samples for radiocarbon analyses and measures a variety of biophysical properties of sediment, mainly from lake sediment cores. The research assistant oversees the laboratory and supervises students in a variety of analyses procedures, while assuring high-quality data and a safe working environment. These analyses are part of externally sponsored research into environmental and climate change, and geologic hazards over a range of historical and prehistorical timescales.

Responsibilities Include

60% -Laboratory Analysis & Research Support

• Analyze samples for their amino acid composition and radiocarbon ages, including:
• Preparing samples (organics, sediments, carbonates) for analysis by HPLC and by AMS 14C;
• Mixing chemicals and loading samples;
• Performing routine maintenance on the HPLC and ancillary equipment;
• Measuring a variety of sediment types for their particle-size distribution, biogenic silica and organic matter content;
• Tabulating results, judging their quality, and reporting and managing data.

35% -Laboratory Operations & Management

• Oversee the daily operation of the joint, Amino Acid Geochronology and Sedimentary Records of Environmental Change Laboratory, including:
• Supervising and training students and visiting researchers in laboratory procedures;
• Stocking laboratory supplies;
• Tracking incoming samples and outgoing results;
• Overseeing lab finances;
• Optimizing lab use;
• Assuring a safe working environment.

5% - Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biogeochemistry, or related field.
• 2 years of relevant experience.

*A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with techniques and equipment used in the laboratory.
• Supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of Quaternary geochronology and paleoenvironments.
• Knowledge of organic chemistry.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the use of laboratory instruments.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject disciplines.

Skills

• Organizational and project management skills.
• Leadership, coordination, and supervision skills.
• Data collection, processing and analysis.

Abilities

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Communicates effectively.

Compensation

Salary range is $38,314 to $47,892.Annual salarycommensurate with candidate's qualifications and relatedexperience.

Pre-Employment Check

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Also, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Fire and Security Report

Each year Northern Arizona University releases anAnnual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campushason-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at [phone] or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Immigration Support/Sponsorship

Northern Arizona University will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.