Stable Isotope Laboratory Manager
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:
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:
- 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%: 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.
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.
Additional Candidate Instructions
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.
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.
Contact Information to Applicants
Marina Suarez; Mb.suarez@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
$70,000 - $80,000
Work Schedule
M-F, 8-5 pm; Weekends/evening in emergencies
Application Review Begins
Monday April 8, 2024
Anticipated Start Date
Wednesday May 1, 2024