NU‐SIBL Search
APPLY FOR THE NU-SIBL OPERATIONAL DIRECTOR POSITION
The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Northwestern University is seeking an Operational Director for our Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Laboratory (NU-SIBL) to maintain and operate the analytical facility and contribute substantially to graduate and undergraduate student training.
The laboratory is a shared facility that includes Thermo isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMS) with GC, precon, gas bench, EA, and TC-EA peripherals. Current analytes include compound-specific δ13C and δ2H of organic molecules; δ13C and δ18O of carbonates and DIC; and bulk δ13C, δ15N, δ34S, δ2H, and δ18O of soils, sediments, and organic materials. The laboratory is overseen by PIs Osburn, Sageman, Hurtgen, and Blair and is part of the Integrated Laboratories for Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences.
Primary responsibilities include 1) operation and maintenance of IRMS and peripheral instruments, 2) training and oversight of students and post docs to prepare and analyze samples, 3) sample management, analysis, data reduction, quality control and invoicing in support of the recharge facility, 4) management of laboratory supplies and ordering, and 5) enforcement of laboratory safety standards and protocols. The position also includes the opportunity for teaching (1-2 quarters annually) through the development and instruction of applied IRMS laboratory courses.
Additional opportunities include 1) independent or collaborative proposal development and research with faculty, 2) methods development to expand analytical capabilities and efficiencies, and/or 3) professional development through short courses or conference attendance, depending on the candidate’s interests.
Minimum requirements include a Ph.D. in a geoscience, environmental science, analytical chemistry, or related field; at least one year of hands-on experience maintaining IRMS instruments and some of the peripherals; strong oral and written communication skills; basic computer skills (Isodat, Qtegra, Excel, etc.); and the ability to troubleshoot complex instrumentation.
Preferred qualifications include >2 years of hands-on experience with continuous-flow instruments or compound-specific IRMS measurements, previous experience in lab management, and student training.
Applications must include: 1. a cover letter (describing qualifications and previous experience); 2. contact information for three references; and, 3. a current CV.
Salary may range from $70,000 to $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience and the agreed-upon level of responsibility at hire. Having permission to work in the USA is the responsibility of the applicant. Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and will continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate will hold a full-time, non-tenure-track appointment. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Magdalena Osburn directly with inquiries about the position (maggie@northwestern.edu).
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.