Staff Scientist

at  California Institute of Technology

JOB SUMMARY

This full-time, term position is tasked with organizing and executing analytical work central to examining the elemental concentration and Ca isotopic composition of biological samples; data processing and interpretation; preparation of scientific report and contribute to peer-reviewed scientific publications derived from this work. Analytical work will be performed at the Isotoparium, using a Multi Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectrometer (MC-ICPMS). This is a 3-year term position.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Geochemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of work experience in a class 1000 clean laboratory and performing high-precision isotopic analysis of calcium isotopes.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience using, maintaining, and servicing Q-ICPMS and MC-ICPMS or TIMS instruments and their accessories (chillers, inlet systems).
• Knowledge of the stable isotope geochemistry of calcium.
• Knowledge of any preferred statistical analysis tools (Python, R, etc.).
• Skilled in the operation of high-resolution isotope ratio mass spectrometers, including the Thermo Fisher Neptune Plus.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Research experience in the field of isotope metallomics (i.e., the application of isotope geochemical techniques to the study of human health).

• Chemical purification of relevant elements of interest from solid and liquid samples by column chromatography.
• High-resolution concentration and isotope analysis of biological samples by mass spectrometry.
• Processing and interpretation of mass spectrometric data.
• Data interpretation and reporting in peer-reviewed publications.
• Instrument/laboratory preventive and corrective maintenance with the assistance of other lab members.
• Other duties as assigned.