Stable Isotope Laboratory Manager

University of Kansas, United States

Updated: about 24 hours ago
Location: Lawrence, KANSAS

27446BR

Geology


Position Overview

The W. M. Keck Paleoenvironmental and Environmental Isotope Laboratory (KPESIL) in the Department of Geology at the University of Kansas invites applications for a laboratory manager with experience in low temperature stable isotope geochemistry.  The appointment will begin on May 1, 2024.  The successful applicant will be responsible for the daily function of KPESIL and ensures smooth operation of the laboratory.  The successful applicant will report directly to the lab director and in consultation with the director have responsibility and autonomy for day-to-day decisions on laboratory management, including training, supervision and scheduling of GRAs, and student hourly employees. The manager is expected to work on a flexible schedule with minimal supervision and in consultation the laboratory director on a routine basis. The laboratory manager is expected to remain active in his/her specialty and conduct original research that uses stable isotope geochemistry.


Job Description

50%: Ensure that Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometers and peripherals are functional by:

  • Performing or overseeing routine maintenance.
  • Performing or overseeing minor repairs and part replacements.
  • Performing or overseeing emergency repairs including acquisition of failed components.
  • Scheduling major repair by manufacturer’s service personnel.
  • Ensures that adequate inventory of commonly used spare parts, supplies and materials (reagents, standards, gases, etc.) needed for daily operation of laboratory are maintained.
  • Coordinate the acquisition of specialty materials with individual researchers and external users.

    • 15%: In consultation with laboratory director, determines priority guidelines to ensure timely completion of research and contractual obligations. Oversees scheduling of instrument and peripheral use by laboratory employees, individual researchers and external users.

    15%: Ensures that invoices to users and contractors for services and materials are generated in timely manner.

    10%: Assists individual researchers and users in the development of appropriate techniques and construction of needed specialty apparatus.  In collaboration with the laboratory director, conduct training of laboratory employees, GRA’s, URAs, and laboratory users and ensures an inclusive and supportive laboratory environment. This includes decisions on laboratory staffing and daily supervision of laboratory employees including:

  • Assignment of routine and special task
  • Maintaining work-hour records.
  • Performance evaluation.
  • Ensure availability of qualified staff to handle evening and weekend emergency calls and repairs.

    • 10%: With laboratory director develops/drafts laboratory budget and develops long term laboratory management plan.  Maintain an active research program.  Attends appropriate short-course, national meetings, and/or seminars as determined in consultation with laboratory director to remain current on research, science, and technology.  Other duties as assigned.


    Position Requirements

    Work location: 190 Slawson Hall, Lawrence, KS 66044


    Required Qualifications

  • BS in Geology or a relevant discipline (e.g., Oceanography, Biology, Agronomy, Environmental Engineering) and a minimum of seven years of combined experience in use and operation of Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometers and peripherals acquired through graduate school training and/or post-graduate experience.
  • Experience in the preparation and isotopic analysis of:
  • Organic matter
  • Gases
  • Water
  • Minerals
  • Biogenic materials, such as phosphate or opal/quartz
  • Demonstrated experience (e.g., thesis, publications, grants, etc.) of utilizing isotopes for paleoenvironmental or environmental research).

    • Preferred Qualifications

  • MS or PhD in Geology or Geochemistry or a relevant natural science.
  • Experience with Finnigan (Thermo Finnigan) mass-spectrometers and peripherals including the following:
  • Finnigan MAT 252/253 and/or Finnigan Delta Plus
  • Finnigan GASBENCH
  • TC/EA
  • EA (Costech or Thermo Quest)
  • GC-TC
  • Experience in the operation and maintenance of offline vacuum extraction systems.
  • Experience in managing a multi-user isotope laboratory or similar laboratory facility.
  • Experience in training and supervision of stable isotope laboratory users and other staff.
  • Good communication skills and the ability to work individually and with a team.

    • Contact Information to Applicants

    Marina Suarez; [email protected]


    Additional Candidate Instruction

    A complete application will include a cover letter and a resume. Apply online and submit a letter describing your qualifications for this position. Only complete applications will be considered.

    Review of applications begins on April 08, 2024 and continues as needed to collect a pool of qualified applicants.  To ensure consideration, apply before the application review date.


    Advertised Salary Range

    $70,000 - $80,000


    Application Review Begins

    08-Apr-2024


    Anticipated Start Date

    01-May-2024


    Primary Campus

    University of Kansas Lawrence Campus


    Employee Class

    U-Unclassified Professional Staff


    Work Schedule

    M-F, 8-5 pm; Weekends/evening in emergencies


    Work Location Assignment

    On-Site


    Disclaimer

    The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.


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