Research Scientist/Engineer 2

Job Description

The School of Oceanography has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist 2 to join their team.

The School of Oceanography at the University of Washington seeks a full-time research scientist to operate and manage a plasma source mass spectrometry and laser ablation facility UW Trace Lab. The research scientist will be responsible for maintaining the TraceLab facility, including invoicing users and placing orders, maintaining instruments, and training graduate students and postdocs on instrument use. The TraceLab currently includes an Element2 ICP-MS, iCAP RQ Quadrupole ICP-MS, an Analyte G2 excimer laser system, and an associated clean room. Typical projects include trace element analysis of marine carbonate, otolith, pore water, sediment, and seawater samples as well as uranium-lead and uranium series geochronology. The University of Washington is part of a thriving research community in the cosmopolitan city of Seattle, which is set between the majestic Cascades and Puget Sound.

Core responsibilities are maintaining a functional ICP-MS lab environment and supporting, training, and empowering lab users, including undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs. These responsibilities will be expressed through: 

• 30% leading instrument and clean lab upkeep 
• 30% assisting users, including students and postdocs, with instrumental analysis 
• 20% training and supervising users 
• 10% maintaining lab records and protocols 
• 5% data processing and quality control 
• 5% purchasing lab consumables/equipment; effectively communicating and coordinating across the lab’s users, PIs, and facilities; maintaining current lab finances; analytical methods development; and other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in geochemistry, chemistry, experimental physics, earth sciences, or a related discipline.

2 years of relevant experience to include:

• Experience operating plasma source mass-spectrometers and preparing samples in a clean lab.
• Experience with electronics or building laboratory instrumentation. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Organized, incredibly detail-oriented, independent, tenacious, flexible and able to work as part of a team. 
• Understand, and act upon, diverse user requirements for sample handling and data quality. 
• Sound judgment and be prepared to serve as a manager, leader, and mentor to trainees, including undergraduate and graduate students. 
• Teacher and facilitator: able to train users, troubleshoot problems with them, and contribute to a healthy lab culture of discovery, growth, and education. 
• The ability to keep a complex analytical facility physically, digitally, and financially organized. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Preferred qualifications include a Master’s or PhD in one of the above fields. 
• Experience operating plasma source mass-spectrometers and preparing samples in a clean lab.
• Strong quantitative/analytical background will also be considered. 
• Experience with electronics or building laboratory instrumentation. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENT

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Your application will not be considered unless you attach a cover letter.

Candidates should submit a cover letter describing and providing evidence for their experience with research and analysis; instrument troubleshooting and maintenance; organizational and management skills; teaching, training and mentoring; and working as part of a cohesive team. 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.