Job Title Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University Department Geology Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Temporary/Casual Staff (Fixed Term) Job Description Our Commitment 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 (https://www.tamu.edu/about/coreValues.html) which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service. Who We Are The Department of Geology & Geophysics is dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of the Earth, its fluids, and their history and future, preparing the next generation of earth scientists, and using our expertise to serve the broader scientific, government, and industry communities. Our most fundamental mission is to educate students at all levels. To that end we offer a B.A. and B.S. degree program in geology, a B.S. degree program in geophysics, M.S. and Ph.D. programs in geology, and M.S. and Ph.D. programs in geophysics. As one of the top geology and geophysics departments in the United States, we encourage you to browse our website and learn more about our department at: geoweb.tamu.edu What We Want The Research Associate will be responsible for conducting heating experiments for carbon-oxygen (“clumped”) isotope reordering of carbonate minerals, for the analysis of these and other samples on the clumped-isotope-ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS), and for the modeling of the data. The selected candidate will also prepare manuscripts based on experimental results and be responsible for maintenance and routine repairs on the 253 Plus IRMS and the automated carbonate reaction system. Additionally, the Research Associate will be expected to participate in the preparation of proposals. What You Need to Know + Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected hire’s education and experience. + Special Note: This position is funded from grant 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 Required Education and Experience: + Bachelor’s Degree + 2 years of relevant experience using clumped isotope reordering models and programs such as the Isotopylog Python package Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: + Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing + Ability to conduct clumped isotope measurements + Working knowledge of Python and other programming language used for clumped isotope modeling packages + Familiarity with the use of vacuum lines for gas handling systems + Ability to conduct clumped isotope measurements on carbonate minerals + Ability to model clumped isotope data for reordering kinetics + Ability to maintain and repair IRMS and automated carbonate reaction system + Ability to operate laboratory equipment and handle research materials Preferred Qualifications: + Ph.D. in Geology or equivalent science + 5 years of experience conducting clumped isotope heating experiments and analyses + Ability to conduct clumped isotope measurements on carbonate minerals and data quality control + Scientific curiosity and ability to write scientific papers and proposal + Reliability and strong work ethic Responsibilities: + Heating Experiments: Conducts heating experiments with calcite and other carbonate minerals as necessary. Loads samples in quartz tubes with CO2 atmosphere and seals with a torch. Heats samples in tube furnace and remove and chill at set intervals. + Clumped isotope analyses and modeling: Runs experimental carbonate samples on the 253 Plus IRMS coupled to the automated carbonate system. Models’ kinetic data using common clumped isotope reordering models. + Manuscript preparation and submission: Takes the lead in preparing and submitting manuscripts for publication. + Assist with Proposal Preparation: Assists with preparation of a National Science Foundation proposal to develop material specific kinetic parameters for clumped isotope reordering of carbonate minerals. Why Texas A&M University? 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, (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/medical/) prescription drug, dental, (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/dental/) vision, life and AD&D, (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/life-add/) flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/long-term-disability/) with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums + 12-15 days (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/index.html) of annual paid holidays + Up to eight hours of paid sick leave (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/sick.html) and at least eight hours of paid vacation (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/vacation.html) each month + Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (https://www.trs.texas.gov/Pages/Homepage.aspx) + Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time (https://flourish.tamu.edu/wellness-release-time/) + Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning (https://linkedinlearning.tamu.edu/) training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more + Educational release time and tuition assistance (https://livingwell.tamu.edu/employee-tuition-assistance) for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee + Living Well, (https://livingwell.tamu.edu/) a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees 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/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.