Research Associate - Paleoclimate Isotope Laboratory (PIL)

Posting InformationPosting Number PG194114EP

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title Research Associate - Paleoclimate Isotope Laboratory (PIL)

Anticipated Hiring Range $60,000-$63,000

Work Schedule Monday-Friday 8 hours

Job Location Raleigh, NC

Department Marine, Earth And Atmospheric
About the DepartmentThe Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences (MEAS) within the College of Sciences at NC State is one of the nation's largest interdisciplinary geoscience departments. MEAS provides: (1) high quality geoscience instruction to the University community through it courses in marine, Earth, and atmospheric sciences; (2) educational opportunities for undergraduate, masters and doctoral students in geosciences through world-class research, and (3) outreach activities that foster improved public awareness and understanding of science. Research programs cover a diverse spectrum including meteorology, climatology, geology, oceanography, and marine biology. MEAS includes approximately 40 faculty, 70 graduate students, and over 200 undergraduates involved in basic and applied studies of Earth systems with degree programs in marine sciences, geology, and meteorology. MEAS is dedicated to excellence in research, teaching, and promoting an environment that allows all members of the department to thrive. Principal concentrations include weather prediction, air quality, air-sea interactions, climate modeling, hydrology, geochemistry, oceanography, active tectonics, surface processes & Quaternary studies, geochronology, sedimentology, regional geology, and geospatial analytics applied to the geosciences. Programs include many tracks in each of our program areas and thus provide the opportunity for an education broader than bachelor's degrees in more traditional departments.The multi-disciplinary nature of MEAS lends itself to the study of such problems as prediction of severe weather (e.g. hurricanes), geologic hazards, coastal erosion, air-sea-land interactions, pollution of surface and groundwater, big-data assimilation, and global climate change. While basic research is always important, many research projects also have direct application to current issues such as water quality/water supply, seafood harvests, climate change, weather prediction, natural hazards, Earth resources and land use. Additional information about the department and its facilities can be found at: https://meas.sciences.ncsu.edu.Opportunities exist for disciplinary and interdisciplinary interactions with a wide range of scientists at NC State. MEAS is one of six NC State departments with a presence at the NC State Center for Marine Sciences and Technology (CMAST), a coastal and marine science research facility located on Bogue Sound in Morehead City, NC (http://www.cmast.ncsu.edu), and MEAS faculty participate in the Center for Geospatial Analytics (http://geospatial.ncsu.edu). The North Carolina State Climate Office (https://climate.ncsu.edu/) and the Raleigh office of the National Weather Service reside on NC State's campus. In addition, the Data Science Academy (DSA) at NC State seeks to create a nationally recognized hub of excellence in data science and analytics (https://datascienceacademy.ncsu.edu). Raleigh, North Carolina is a progressive and welcoming community with a wide range of potential collaborators at nearby academic and governmental institutions in the Research Triangle. Opportunities exist to draw on departmental and campus resources to develop strong teaching expertise using best practices. While working in this department, you will be expected to foster a supportive and welcoming environment.NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State's land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution's mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.
Essential Job DutiesThe Paleoclimate Isotope Laboratory (PIL) is seeking a skilled Research Associate to support high-impact paleoclimate research through the management of daily lab operations, maintenance and troubleshooting of advanced isotope instrumentation, and delivery of analytical services to internal and external clients. In this role, you'll oversee the daily operations of the clumped isotope laboratory, maintain and troubleshoot specialized equipment, and ensure the delivery of high-quality analytical services to both internal and external clients. You'll also have the opportunity to co-develop new isotope techniques and instrumentation alongside the lab's Principal Investigator, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in paleoclimate research.Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily functions, including supply management, labware cleaning, safety documentation, and instrument calibration.


• Perform regular and unplanned maintenance on lab instruments, coordinate repairs, and liaise with service providers.


• Prepare and analyze samples, maintain data quality standards, and support both in-house and external research efforts.


• Train and supervise graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scholars on lab protocols and analytical techniques.


• Collaborate on method development and the testing of novel instrumentation to expand the lab's capabilities.


• Assist in community engagement activities, including lab tours and educational events for student groups.

If you're ready to make an impact in both science and student development, we encourage you to apply.You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our ( ) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
Other ResponsibilitiesN/AQualificationsMinimum Education and ExperienceRelevant post-Baccalaureate degree, or relevant Bachelor's degree plus 3 or more years of independent research experience. May require terminal degree and licensure.
Other Required Qualifications

• Experience and thorough familiarity in isotope measurement, and IRMS isotope measurement,


• Proven ability to diagnose and troubleshoot challenges with lab equipment,


• Skilled in laboratory management including maintaining standard lab safety protocols and practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to write scientific reports, grant proposals, or other technical documents, with examples of contributions, writing roles, and outcomes such as funded grants or published papers.


• Experience with databases and coding or scripting languages (e.g., SQL, Python, R, MATLAB), including applications such as data processing, automation, or instrument control.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required No

Commercial Driver's License required NoRecruitment Dates and Special InstructionsJob Open Date 05/30/2025

Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to ApplicantsPlease include your resume, cover letter and contact information for at least three professional references.Position DetailsPosition Number 00111461

Position Type EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0

Appointment 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID 178601 - Marine, Earth And Atmospheric

EEONC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or .Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). * * How did you learn of this opportunity?

• NCSU Website


• NCSU Executive Search Services


• Monster.com


• CareerBuilder.com


• InsideHigherEd.com


• Other Online Job Board


• Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide


• Job / Career Fair


• The Chronicle of Higher Education


• HERC


• Professional Journal


• Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)


• Professional Organization


• Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter


• NCSU Employee Referral


• Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)


• Other


• If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.

(Open Ended Question) * * Please describe your experience with Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) systems and any related peripheral equipment. Include specific instruments you've worked with, the types of analyses conducted, and your level of responsibility (e.g., operation, maintenance, troubleshooting).(Open Ended Question) * * Describe your experience writing scientific reports, grant proposals, or other technical documents. Include the types of reports or proposals you've contributed to, your role in the writing process, and any successful outcomes (e.g., funded grants, published papers).(Open Ended Question) * * What experience do you have with databases and coding or scripting languages? Please include examples of software, languages (e.g., SQL, Python, R, MATLAB), and any relevant applications such as data processing, automation, or instrument control.(Open Ended Question)Application Materials RequiredRequired Documents * Resume

• Cover Letter


• Contact Information for References

Optional Documents

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