Website link here: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/91228

The Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies (CIMRS) invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the CIMRS Director.

The Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies (CIMRS) was established to foster collaborative research between NOAA and Oregon State University. Our mission is to explore interactions between the solid earth and the ocean at hydrothermal vents and methane seeps and to understand their role and impact on marine chemistry and ecosystems. One area of CIMRS research at the Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) in Newport, OR is analyzing rare gases from hydrothermal vents, submarine volcanoes and cold seeps, particularly helium-3. The successful applicant will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the helium isotope laboratory at HMSC. This involves performing gas extractions and mass spectrometer analyses of seawater, hydrothermal vent and cold seep gas and fluid samples, organizing data on computers, maintaining laboratory equipment including diagnosing problems and performing minor repairs, maintaining stocks of supplies for laboratory and seagoing work, and contributing to the publication of results. It also may include going to sea on research vessels for several weeks at a time to collect samples during field work, up to 2 months a year. We are looking for someone who understands how analytical instruments work, enjoys maintaining them and producing high-quality data, and who wants to spend time working at sea on research expeditions.

Duties:

55% – Performs helium isotope measurements on seawater, hydrothermal and seep samples using a mass spectrometer for analysis of extracted samples. Carries out data reduction and processing associated with the mass spectrometer analyses. Participates in sea-going research expeditions to collect seawater samples, maintain gas-tight samplers and process samples of hydrothermal vent fluids and gases up to 2 months per year.

20% – Organizes data on computer. Documents lab procedures. Occasionally develops new procedures and methods for sample processing and analysis.

20% – Maintains equipment and diagnoses problems and performs minor repairs to laboratory equipment. Stocks supplies for laboratory and seagoing expeditions. Is available to respond to automated phone notifications of power failures in the lab, which are rare but could occur at any hour. This is a shared responsibility with one other person.

5% – Draws conclusions from data analysis and contributes to articles for publication in scientific journals and for presentations at scientific meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, engineering, or other physical science.

• Knowledge of ultra high vacuum systems, analog electronics, and standard laboratory equipment; ability to troubleshoot and diagnose electronic, electrical, vacuum, and mechanical problems with the mass spectrometer and other equipment; knowledge of computer systems, including data entry, spreadsheets, and graphics.

• Able to pass medical requirements for civilian personnel aboard NOAA and UNOLS ships. Applicant must be willing to spend up to 2 months at sea each year.

• In accordance with the Department of Commerce Background Investigation policy, the incumbent must successfully obtain the appropriate security clearance within 90 days of the employment start date.

• This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

Preferred

• At least 2 years of experience working as a technician in an analytical chemistry laboratory.

• Technical or engineering experience with performing maintenance and repair of electrical and mechanical laboratory equipment including high-vacuum systems.

• Experience going to sea on research vessels.

• Capabilities with data analysis, graphics, and web site maintenance.

• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity

Work Conditions

78% -Works in laboratory.
17% -Works on a research vessel at sea
5% -Works in an office.