Opportunity: Stable Isotope Research Associate 2 (Position # 036987)
– December 16, 2012
The Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University seeks an experienced applicant to serve as the Stable Isotope Research Associate 2 (Position # 036987).
This appointment offers the opportunity to support numerous stable isotope applications including measurement of 13C and 15N of solids, liquids and gases and measurement of 34S in solids (plants, animals and soils) across a range of projects. The Research Associate will have direct responsibility for operating and maintaining the laboratory instrumentation. Specific responsibilities include: routine maintenance of instruments, design and oversight of quality control procedures, budgeting and supervision of all users of equipment in the facility (including the work study students/lab assistants). Additionally, there is also an opportunity for fieldwork with one of the many projects presently underway.
The laboratory is equipped with two IRMS instruments and each has different on-line preparation system: Thermo Finnigan DeltaPlus GC-IRMS and Thermo Finnigan DeltaPlusXP IRMS. The DeltaPlusGC-IRMS is equipped with a NA-1500 elemental analyzer and a either a single-component (13C/12C, 15N/14N) or dual-component gas chromatography combustion interface (13C/12C, 15N/14N and 34S/32S). The DeltaPlusXP IRMS is equipped with a Gas Bench II interface combined with an injection interface which enables the simultaneous measurement of δ13C and δ18O of dissolved gases in water samples.
The successful candidate will have, at a minimum, a B.S. degree in appropriate scientific discipline. The successful candidate will have demonstrable knowledge of combined elemental analyzer-isotope ratio mass spectrometers and gas chromatography systems, as it applies to stable isotope of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur analyses; competence in methodologies associated with processing/analyzing plant, animal, soil and particulate samples and; ability to use standard statistical assessment approaches to generate and report data derived from the stable isotope processes employed in the laboratory. Candidates with a graduate degree in a relevant discipline will be given preference. Successful candidates will be highly motivated, attentive to detail and possess excellent organizational skills. The position is available immediately and will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Salary will be determined based upon the applicant’s qualifications.
Interested applicants should visit the on-line posting (# 036987) for a list of required documents at https://lsusystemcareers.lsu.edu
