Research Engineer Scientist III

UT Tyler; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 58,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Background check as part of employment

Job summary

The University of Texas at Arlington seeks a Lab Manager for the Luminescence Laboratory within the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department. You will prepare geological samples for luminescence dating, supervise students, and oversee daily lab operations, including the sample database.

You will develop novel dating methods, translate MATLAB to R for publications, and occasionally participate in field research campaigns.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in geology or a related field with 2 years of luminescence lab operations experience.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Train visitors and students on sample preparation, measurement, and data analysis.
• Develop SOPs with photos/videos documenting routine methods.
• Perform sample prep and luminescence measurements for external clients and generate final reports.
• Develop and refine luminescence dating methods for geomorphology.
• Troubleshoot Risø luminescence reader in collaboration with technical staff.
• Maintain lab organization and records; manage disposables and field equipment.
• Coordinate community outreach and a workshop on hard rock luminescence applications.
• Translate MATLAB functions to R for publications and migrate sample databases.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Training students

Lab safety

Communication

Education

Master's degree in geology or related field

Doctoral degree in geology or related field

Tools

MATLAB

R

Risø automated luminescence reader

Job description

The annual salary for this position ranges from $58,100 to $76,960. The final offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.

Purpose of Position

Manage the Luminescence Laboratory housed within the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department. Prepare geological samples for luminescence dating analysis. Supervise and train students and laboratory visitors. Maintain daily operations of laboratory, including sample database. Assist with community outreach activities. Develop and refine novel dating methods. Occasionally travel for field research campaigns.

Essential Functions

• Train laboratory visitors and students how to prepare samples in an organized and safe manner, how to execute measurements, and how to analyze the results.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), with accompanying photos and/or videos, documenting the steps involved for routine laboratory methods.
• Perform fee-for-service work on samples sent from external users, including research collaborators, and contracted work from industry, and state and federal governments. For this duty, the technician will perform sample preparation, and luminescence measurements. In consultation with Brown, the technician will then analyze the results and prepare final reports.
• Developing and refining novel luminescence dating methods for applications in geomorphology.
• Troubleshoot instrumental components of the Risø luminescence reader in communication with the Risø technical staff.
• Cleaning measurement discs, cleaning the rock saws and drill, ordering laboratory disposables, exchanging compressed nitrogen cylinders, maintaining field equipment, sending off subsamples for gamma irradiation and elemental analysis and thin section preparation, and overseeing laboratory organization and records keeping.
• Community outreach. Work with Brown to organize a 1-day workshop on hard rock applications of luminescence dating.
• Translate several existing MATLAB thermochronology functions into R for publication in the ‘Luminescence’ package
• Migrate existing sample database into the Sparrow open-source data system.
• Occasionally join field research campaigns.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in geology or a related field, and two (2) years of experience in luminescence laboratory operations, including sample preparation, instrument operation, and analysis of results.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in geology or a related field, and two years of experience in luminescence laboratory operations, including sample preparation, instrument operation (especially Risø automated luminescence reader), and analysis of results.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and chemical inventorying.
• Experience with programming languages, especially MATLAB and R.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must have good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to train students and laboratory visitors.
• Interest in novel geomorphic applications of luminescence is beneficial.

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday; 8:00am through 5:00pm
• Occasional travel for field research campaigns
• Position is funded by a 5 year NSF grant that is currently in year 2.

Working Conditions

• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished).
• May work around chemical fumes.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• May work around chemicals.

Benefits Information

Position is benefit eligible: Yes

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees at the University.

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a pre employment background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.

This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA 48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.

University Information

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.

UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community.

This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations

The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email [e-mail] .