Assistant Research Scientist

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Job Description

Glimpse of the Job

The Fitzsimmons Group in the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas is hiring a new Assistant Research Scientist.

We are seeking an Assistant Research Scientist to join a collaborative research team studying ocean trace metal chemistry and marine biogeochemical processes. The successful candidate will serve a laboratory and field program manager role, which involves helping to lead funded research projects involving the collection, analysis, and interpretation of seawater samples and trace metal data. Research topics include trace metal analytical methods, deep-sea mining, hydrothermal plumes, polar oceanography, and marine biogeochemistry. The position involves participating in oceanographic field expeditions, conducting laboratory analyses, mentoring students, managing laboratory operations, and contributing to scientific proposals, publications, and presentations.

This position may require 1-12 weeks of business travel per year and may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

Opportunities to Contribute 

• Manage the daily operation and organization of the research laboratory, including the trace metal clean room.

• Manage laboratory inventory, supplies, equipment, and safety compliance.

• Train laboratory personnel in safety procedures, analytical methods, and best practices.

• Mentor students and provide technical support for research activities.

• Prepare equipment and supplies for oceanographic field campaigns.

• Lead or assist with field sampling operations and troubleshoot field equipment as needed.

• Collect, process, and manage research samples following established quality-control procedures.

• Conduct trace metal analyses using wet chemistry and ICP-MS techniques.

• Analyze, interpret, and report research data while ensuring data quality and integrity.

• Prepare figures, tests, and references for manuscripts, presentations, and/or grant proposals.

• Collaborate with research teams to publish and communicate scientific findings.

• Maintain laboratory websites and other research communication materials.

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate’s education and experience.

Special Note: This position is funded from grant, donor, and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Oceanography, Earth Science, or a related field.

• Relevant professional experience with making geochemical analyses and taking shipboard sample collections at sea.

• Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat/cold – for required shipboard fieldwork from the tropics to Antarctica.

• Ability to move heavy objects with assistance – for lab organization and shipboard fieldwork.

• Ability to drive a vehicle – for lab organization and fieldwork.

• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations for 1-12 weeks at a time by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines – for conferences and fieldwork.

A well-qualified candidate may also possess:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative research environment.

• Ability to work independently and maintain effective professional relationships.

• Experience working in trace metal clean rooms.

• Familiarity with shipboard collection of trace metal clean samples and team leadership at sea.

• Knowledge of analyzing samples by plasma mass spectrometry.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Experience with trace metal, isotope, and speciation analyses.

• Experience with oceanographic field sampling and laboratory instrumentation.

• Experience mentoring students or research personnel.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and scientific writing skills.

• Advanced problem-solving skills.

What you need to do:

Apply! We strongly encourage you to submit a cover letter describing your experience and professional goals and a CV. These documents will assist us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume. 

Why Texas A&M University? 

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.   

The Department of Oceanography in the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas A&M University (TAMU) is part of an alliance of Ocean Sciences at Texas A&M that spans the Marine Biology and Marine Sciences Departments at TAMU Galveston, Geochemical and Environmental Research Group.  This alliance of Ocean Sciences represents a truly unique concentration of educational and research resources.  Our educational and research capacity is greatly enhanced by close ties to the College Departments of Atmospheric Sciences, Geography, and Geology & Geophysics, as well as the Berg Hughes Center, and Texas Center for Climate Studies.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.  

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month 

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas  

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time 

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more  

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee 

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees 

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.