LIME is always willing in talking to those interested in part- and full-time employment in the lab. While the official listings are in Workday, these can be difficult to find so we will post opportunities below. Please contact the lab directors if you are interested.
[1] ICP-AES Specialist: Workday link to job ad.
Ideal start date: January 6, 2025 (negotiable)
[2] Part-time lab technician: Workday link to job ad.
Start date: Rolling
ICP-AES Specialist/ReseaRch Chemist
The Laboratory for Isotopes and Metals in the Environment (LIME), part of the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute at the Penn State University Park campus, seeks an ICP-AES specialist. Among other analytical equipment, LIME maintains a Thermo Scientific iCAP 7400 Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic/Optical Emission Spectrometer. This instrument is used by researchers at Penn State, at other academic institutions, and in industry and governmental organizations.
Responsibilities
The ICP-AES specialist will perform laboratory techniques related to the operation of ICP-AES. Full instrument-specific training on all methods will be provided.
The successful candidate will:
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- Perform wet chemical techniques for sample preparation, including acid digestion of liquid, experimental, and natural solid samples.
- Maintain and operate the ICP-AES.
- Evaluate data quality and report geochemical analyses collected from the ICP-AES.
- Develop sample preparation techniques and analytical methods for the ICP-AES.
- Manage the quote and invoicing responsibilities associated with the ICP-AES.
- Utilize ion chromatography systems.
- Assist in managing a wet chemistry lab, including maintaining equipment (i.e., balances) and supplies (e.g., labware).
- Ensure chemical safety and waste management follow Penn State Environmental Health and Safety protocols.
- Train new users (including undergraduate and graduate students with diverse experiences) of analytical instruments and/or lab procedures.
- Supervise student employees in wet chemistry tasks.
- Work in a multi-disciplinary shared research/contract laboratory.
The ICP-AES specialist will be part of a team of analysts and will bring professionalism, dependability, and safety consciousness to the job. The specialist will report to the LIME Executive Director and will work closely with the LIME Scientific Director and Facility Director.
Qualifications
The successful candidate could hold an M.S. or terminal degree by appointment start date in geochemistry, chemistry, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a related discipline, and at least one year of relevant research experience in routine operation and general maintenance of ICP-AES; or an equivalent level of relevant experience. Examples of relevant experience are described in the responsibilities above. Candidates should also be able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in teams.
Interested candidates should submit the following with their application:
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- An application cover letter highlighting the relevant experience for the position.
- A curriculum vitae including educational background, employment history, and a list of publications, research projects worked, and the role played in those projects.
- Contact information for three professional references.
Questions about the position can be directed to Kimberly Lau (kvlau@psu.edu) and Matt Fantle (msf17@psu.edu).
The Pennsylvania State University’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences takes an active role in building a talented, inclusive, and culturally competent workforce. We understand that our shared future is guided by basic principles of fairness, mutual respect, and commitment to each other. Applicants should provide evidence, either woven through their application materials or as a separate diversity statement, of a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusive excellence, and belonging and of engagement which creates an inclusive environment in their department/workplace.
This is a full-time, term appointment funded for one year from the date of hire with an excellent possibility of renewal pending available funding and satisfactory performance. This position will be filled as a non-tenure research faculty with a 48-week appointment. Candidates with a master’s degree or equivalent by start date will be appointed to the rank of Researcher. Candidates with a terminal degree or equivalent by the start date will be appointed to the rank of Assistant Research Professor. If hired, qualified candidates could have opportunities for promotion and advancement with an appointment as a non-tenure-track faculty member.
Part-time lab technician
Laboratory for Isotopes and Metals in the Environment (LIME) at the Penn State University Park campus seeks to fill a part-time (10-20 hrs/week) lab technician position in the geochemistry facility.
The candidate must have experience or training in laboratory technique, especially in basic wet chemistry. Experience in sample preparation for geochemical analysis and some analytical experience is preferred, but not required. The preferred candidate will either have coursework training or experience in geochemistry or chemistry (or a similar technical field) or both. Candidates with a B.A., B.S., or a M.Sc. in a technical field that includes chemistry are encouraged to apply. Candidates without a bachelor’s degree, but with appropriate experience, will be considered if they show aptitude in analytical chemistry.
Tasks include:
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- Trace-metal cleaning of labware;
- Weighing of samples and standards;
- Performing routine dilutions using acidic reagents;
- Using high-temperature ovens for solubilization;
- Using and preparing acid solutions;
- Assisting with routine running and general maintenance of analytical instrumentation; and
- Completing other lab-specific tasks as needed on a day-to-day basis.
Full lab-specific training on all methods will be provided. The successful candidate will work between the various LIME analytical labs as needed, and will gain broad experience in analytical techniques. The successful candidate will be part of a team and will bring professionalism, dependability, and safety consciousness to the job.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.