Cosmochemistry Academic Graduate Appointee
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Job Location:
Livermore, CA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
8 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
We have an opening for an Academic Graduate Appointee (AGA) to perform sample preparation and analysis for cosmochemistry research. Your work will involve initial characterization and preparation of extra-terrestrial samples digestion and chemical purification of these samples in a clean laboratory setting assistance with isotopic analysis by mass spectrometry. This opportunity is in the Cosmochemical and Isotopic Signatures group in the Nuclear and Chemicals Sciences Division (NACS) and will provide the experience to prepare you to successfully pursue advanced graduate studies.
You will
- Conduct sample preparation of extra-terrestrial rock samples including crushing sieving mineral picking micromanipulation and annealing of micron-sized mineral grains and assist with characterization of small extraterrestrial samples using microscopy techniques.
- Dissolve extraterrestrial rock samples in a clean room setting using mineral acids and purify samples for analysis using ion chromatography separation methods and maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notes to ensure quality control of analytical results and to support preparation of reports.
- Gain basic familiarity with high-precision mass spectrometry methods including laser-ablation methods and assist with isotopic and trace element analysis.
- Assist in developing and applying statistical algorithms to evaluate data quality and reliability and conduct basic thermodynamic modeling for cooling of planetary bodies under different pressure-temperature conditions.
- Assist in developing computer codes to operate simple electronic equipment such as electronic stepper motors and microprocessors for sample preparation.
- Maintain a stock of clean labware and reagents necessary to support sample preparation and analysis including re-ordering of general lab supplies.
- Present formal and informal overviews of progress to the principal investigator and at cosmochemistry group meetings and interact with and support Cosmochemical and Isotopic Signatures group members and the principal investigator on various projects.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications :
- A Bachelors degree in Physics Chemistry Earth Science or a related discipline.
- Experience with micromanipulation and characterization of small samples.
- Experience working in a clean room laboratory setting as well as with using basic laboratory equipment and wet chemistry techniques including mineral acids.
- Adequate familiarity with electronics to build simple electronic devises to aid with lab work and test circuit boards.
- Understanding of thermodynamics needed to investigate thermal models of planetary cooling.
- Understanding of statistics and basic programming to develop statistical algorithms and approaches for evaluating data reliability.
- Experience with critical data record-keeping and safety procedures in a laboratory environment.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills necessary to work in a collaborative research environment and to document and present research results
Qualifications we desire
- Familiarity with analytical techniques for geochronology.
- Experience with high-precision isotope ratio mass spectrometry.
Additional Information :
#LI-Onsite
Position Information
This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.
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- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
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Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Full-time
Key Skills
- Experience Working With Students
- Presentation Skills
- Project / Program Management
- Organizational skills
- Ellucian
- Records Management
- Academic Advising
- LMS
- Teaching
- Program Development
- Public Speaking
- Writing Skills
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