LA-ICP-MS Laboratory Scientist (laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry)

University of Alaska Fairbanks

The Geophysical Institute is a research-focused organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers a competitive work environment with strong benefits, including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute values collaboration, accountability, and the exchange of ideas. We foster a professional and respectful environment dedicated to serving Alaska through applied science. Career growth and professional development are supported and encouraged.

As a public, regional, comprehensive university, UAF welcomes applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

The LA-ICP-MS Laboratory Scientist supports the establishment, operation, and continued development of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute's laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry facility. The position provides specialized scientific and technical expertise in the commissioning, operation, maintenance, and optimization of the laboratory's iCAP triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer and laser-ablation system.

The Laboratory Scientist develops and validates analytical methods; conducts isotopic and trace-element analyses of geological materials; evaluates and reduces analytical data; and prepares high-quality technical data products for academic, government, and industry users. The position trains laboratory users, maintains analytical and quality-assurance documentation, supports laboratory scheduling and service activities, and collaborates with faculty investigators and Alaska Critical Mineral Accelerator partners to develop new analytical capabilities that are responsive to research and industry needs.

To thrive in this position, the successful candidate will combine strong analytical-science expertise with the practical judgment required to establish and operate a sophisticated shared-use laboratory. The individual must be comfortable independently troubleshooting instrumentation, developing and validating analytical methods, evaluating complex scientific data, and communicating analytical limitations and results to users with varying levels of technical experience.

Success requires attention to detail, scientific integrity, sound documentation practices, and the ability to balance research innovation with reliable laboratory operations. The successful candidate will work effectively with faculty, students, technical personnel, industry representatives, government partners, equipment vendors, and administrative staff while managing multiple analytical priorities in a collaborative and evolving research environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in geoscience, geology, mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, materials science, chemistry, or a closely related field. Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in LA-ICP-MS operations, analytical geochemistry, laboratory-method development, or management of a sophisticated analytical facility; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
PhD degree in a related field.
Experience working in the mining sector, economic development, innovation ecosystems, research programs, or resource-based industries.
Familiarity with NSF, federal grant reporting, or similar program requirements.

Position Details:

This position is full-time, https://www.alaska.edu/hr/benefits/compensation/salary.php, term-funded, exempt, 12-month position complete with a competitive salary and https://www.alaska.edu/hr/benefits/ UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental, and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the https://www.alaska.edu/hr/benefits/compensation/salary.php, based on education and experience.

We review applications on a rolling basis. Because we may close the posting once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates is established, we encourage early submission. Please note that once a viable pool is identified, further applications may not be reviewed.

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of three (3) professional references with your application.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click https://docs.google.com/document/d/15dZT4IjTWWzwd-DbtYLgFWftiB1JuuzNZOr9AITs76c/edit?usp=sharing.

If you need assistance applying to this posting, please contact GI - Office of Human Resources at 907-474-7357 or at uaf-gi-hr@alaska.edu.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.

The http://www.alaska.edu/ (https://www.alaska.edu/alaska/index.php) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a http://www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination (http://www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

The University of Alaska reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at University of Alaska facilities. Remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the discretion of the University. Remote work for employees based outside the State of Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or where required by the job duties of the position.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or mailto:police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or mailto:uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu.

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or mailto:uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing mailto:uas.clery@alaska.edu.

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/9850148

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