Faculty Professor Research Assistant - Full-Time

Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry, Research Assistant Professor/Research Scientist

Department of Geology and Environmental Science

University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (United States)

The Department of Geology and Environmental Science, https://www.geology.pitt.edu at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for a new Research Assistant Professor or Research Scientist position. This appointment will work closely with the Pitt Isotope Tracers Lab group of Professor Emily Elliott http://www.pitt.edu/~eelliott studying human impacts to biogeochemistry, nutrient distributions, and the application of innovative stable isotope tracers (N, O, C, S, P) of hydrological, atmospheric, and biological interactions in Earth systems, with a particular focus on nitrogen isotope biogeochemistry.  As an active member of the Elliott Lab, you will assist with decision-making regarding project execution, research directions, and laboratory growth. You will participate in grant writing, budgeting, and project oversight activities, and will assist with mentoring of trainees in the lab.  Management of multiple research projects to ensure successful and timely completion of the project milestones will be required.  The facility currently houses two Elementar/IsoPrime mass spectrometers, associated peripheral devices (Trace Gas, EuroVector TC/EA, Multi-Prep, and Gilson autosamplers), an LGR Water Isotope Analyzer, with a third instrument purchase anticipated. This a 3-year term appointment that is renewable upon budgetary approval and is in the non-tenured, appointment stream with promotion potential.  This appointment can also be filled as a staff position or research Scientist, depending upon your qualifications.  Preferred start date is as soon as possible or January 1, 2024, although later dates will be considered under extenuating circumstances.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1)     Formulate and design studies, write proposals, interpret complex data, and publish results in the peer-reviewed literature

2)     Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, train and supervise students and other laboratory users, supervise sample preparation and analysis 

3)     Develop new analytical, technical, and processing methods in collaboration with researchers to advance the field 

4)     Supervise sample analysis, and perform data reduction and data quality control.  Maintain sample tracking databases, laboratory-wide data, and procedures curation, and adherence to University data management policies

5)     Perform preventative maintenance and advanced troubleshooting of isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMS) and peripherals 

6)     Oversight of general laboratory operations including operation, training on, and maintenance of all laboratory equipment, collaboration with lab users, facilities staff, EH&S representatives, and other facility lab managers as required, maintaining compliance with university, state, and federal health and safety requirements.

7)     Work closely with the director of Pitt Isotope Tracers Lab

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating excellent teamwork, organizational and communication skills and excited to join a highly collaborative environment.  This role is designated as onsite and requires incumbents to report to work at the University of Pittsburgh. The position requires moderate standing, walking, lifting, and computer-based tasks.  Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to 8 hours. 

The successful candidate will:

·       Intellectually contribute to research group success, training, methodological improvements, and advancing application of stable isotopes to socially-relevant environmental challenges.  Follow methodological advances and applications in the broader stable isotope community.  Mentor lab users in stable isotope data interpretation and best practices for communicating science.  Publish results in peer-reviewed literature.  Assist with or lead proposal preparation.

·       Be highly motivated, and possess excellent organizational, teamwork, and communication skills. Must be able to formulate and design studies, interpret complex data, and publish results in the peer-reviewed literature.  Interest in and experience with advancing new methods for isotopic analyses is a bonus.

·       Have excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills. Requires a high level of attention to detail, oversight, and quality control of laboratory-produced data and reporting.  Must be able to (1) train and supervise undergraduate research assistants, and (2) mentor graduate and undergraduate students conducting independent research and lab users.  Must have robust data management skills.

·       Have knowledge/experience of operating isotope ratio mass spectrometers and associated peripheral devices such as a trace gas, autosampler, and elemental analyzer. Preference will be given to candidates with experience using the microbial denitrifier method for nitrate isotope analyses and the principles, capabilities, and measurement of mass-independent isotopes.   

·       Establish and maintain routine use of a LIMS or equivalent system for tracking incoming samples, sample analyses, disposition of physical sample, results QA/QC, sample reruns, and finalized data.  Communicate results to internal and external customers including data interpretation when needed. 

·       Interact with outside collaborators, vendors, and service personnel. Track laboratory productivity, expenses and profits. Track and monitor inventory, and review budgetary level reports for accuracy. Maintain cost-center operations including sample analyses, reporting, and invoicing for external customers. Collection and tracking of invoices.

·       Have knowledge of and adhere to EH&S laboratory specifications.  Maintain compliance with university, state, and federal health and safety requirements.  Work closely with the lab Director.

Minimum qualifications for the Research Scientist position include:

·       M.S. in a related discipline with greater than 3 years of relevant experience

·       Demonstrated project management experience

·       Experience with stable isotope measurements, laboratory analyses, and biogeochemistry research

Preferred qualifications for Research Assistant Professor include: 

·       PhD in environmental science, environmental chemistry, ecosystem ecology, microbiology, soil science, geoscience, or related discipline

·       Preference is given for candidates with experience in biogeochemistry, an interest in mentoring, and/or postdoc experience

·       2-5 years of experience

·       A track record of peer-reviewed publications in geosciences or related disciplines appropriate to the career stage. 

·       Demonstrated project management and supervisory experience.  Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects in a complex and technical environment

·       Relevant experience in developing new analytical methods, scientific publishing and grant writing

·       Knowledge and experience in managing facilities, budgets, operations, maintenance, space, and equipment administration in a research or teaching setting

·       Excellent communication, teamwork and customer service skills

·       Knowledge and experience in managing facilities, operations, maintenance, space, and equipment administration in a research or teaching setting

How to Apply:

Application review will begin immediately.  To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by November 20, 2023.   Applicants can apply online at Home | Talent Center: Careers at Pitt | University of Pittsburgh . Candidates should submit:

• A letter of interest describing your background, relevant laboratory, research, and mentoring experiences.
• A 1-2 page statement of research activities and interests
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Names and contact information for 3 references.

The ideal start date is as soon as possible or January 1, 2024, although the position will remain open until filled.  For any questions related to this position, please contact Dr. Emily M. Elliott ([email protected]).  

The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences is committed to building and fostering a culturally diverse environment. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in support of a diverse community are required.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.