Research Associate - Paleoclimate Isotope Laboratory (PIL)

The 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: .

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 ( ), and MEAS faculty participate in the Center for Geospatial Analytics ( ). The North Carolina State Climate Office ( ) 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 ( ). 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 Duties

The 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 Employee Value Proposition ( ) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Other Responsibilities

N/A

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Relevant 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 No