SRA 1
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Overview
The Geosciences Research Division (GRD) is home to a diverse set of academics and staff whose interests cover a wide variety of topics in the atmospheric, marine, and solid Earth sciences. In many cases, these topics are cross-disciplinary, but they include essential components of the following core themes: the geochemistry of the solid, liquid, and gaseous Earth, cosmochemistry (meteorites, asteroids, and other planetary bodies), paleoceanography and paleoclimate, stratigraphy and sedimentology, geobiology and paleoecology, global and regional tectonics, paleomagnetism and hydrogeology. Research activities encompass modeling studies, laboratory experiments, and field-based expeditions, including ship-time, with GRD members taking full advantage of the extensive research facilities on offer within the division and at SIO. The Scripps CO2 program in the Geosciences Research Division was initiated in the late 1950s to constrain the variability of CO2 in the atmosphere. The program maintains decades-long time series of CO2 and CO2 isotopic composition at a variety of sites around the world.
Position Description
Under supervision, the Staff Research Associate will perform routine analysis of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and isotopic composition in air samples. The incumbent will maintain records needed for calibration and reduction of data, including graphing. Responsible for scheduling and arranging shipments to field sites, including preparation of packages, contacting shippers, coordinating with field stations, and maintaining records. Perform routine maintenance and assembly of sampling equipment. Other duties include assisting in general laboratory operations, including organizing and ordering supplies.
Qualifications
Theoretical background in physical science. Experience working in a scientific laboratory. Familiarity with using standard hand-held shop tools (wrenches, etc.). Proficient with Windows operating system and general PC experience, including spreadsheet, database, and graphing techniques. Organizational abilities and decision-making to prioritize work assignments. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate with technical and scientific personnel. Ability to perform routine maintenance on various laboratory equipment. Ability to perform repetitive tasks meticulously and with strong attention to detail. Ability to support efforts in long-term time series research. Familiarity with standard technical laboratory procedures and apparatus. Familiarity with general data reduction and handling procedures. Ability to perform routine analysis of air samples.