Skip to main content

Ocean Sciences: Associate or Full Specialist - Organic Geochemist (Open Until Filled; Revised Review Date 10/15/15)

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position description

The Ocean Sciences Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for the position of Research Specialist in organic geochemistry under the direction of Professor Matthew McCarthy.

This position supports both research and technical laboratory analyses in the McCarthy lab, aimed at understanding the cycling of organic matter in the marine environment, in particular the use of isotope measurements on individual organic molecules as tracers in ocean biogeochemical cycles, and in collaborative marine ecological research.

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct organic biomarker /isotope analyses and research/technique development that contributes to ongoing and future projects. Some current project examples include: using compound-specific amino acids in deep sea corals and sediments for paleo-nitrogen cycle reconstruction, enantiomeric amino acid and radiocarbon (14C) measurements for studies of ocean dissolve organic nitrogen cycling, as well as collaborative ocean ecological projects, tracing C and N sources and flow in modern and paleo-food webs. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to oversee overall operations in organic geochemistry laboratories, maintaining instrumentation at an operational level, and assisting scientific staff, students, and postdocs with analyses. The candidate will also be expected to take an active role in assisting with data interpretation.

We seek a candidate who has excellent interpersonal and organizational skills to work with a diverse number of researchers, research topics, students, and postdocs. Candidates must also have initiative to isolate and solve instrumentation problems independently, the ability to work and monitor safely in the laboratory, and to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

RANK: Associate or Full Specialist, determined by qualifications and experience (See rank qualifications).

SALARY: Minimum $53,124 commensurate with rank, qualifications and experience.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of M.S. degree or equivalent foreign degree with specialization in organic geochemistry, chemical oceanography, or a related field/discipline. Demonstrated background in organic geochemistry, including experience with biomarker and organic isotope analysis from sedimentary, particulate, or dissolved organic matter. Experience with a range of organic geochemical analytical instruments, including mass spectrometry, gas chromatography and liquid chromatography.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preferred areas of expertise include: continuous flow organic compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA), amino acid molecular level and isotopic analysis and interpretation.

POSITION AVAILABLE: As soon as possible after the closing date.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: The initial appointment will be for one year with anticipated extension. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment, a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon availability of funding.

TO APPLY: Applications are accepted via the UCSC Academic Recruit online system, and must include a letter of application that addresses how you meet the qualifications, curriculum vitae, a research statement, sample of published material (optional), and letters of reference from 3 to 5 referees.* Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files.

Apply at https://recruit.ucsc.edu/apply/JPF00273

Refer to Position #JPF00273-15T in all correspondence.

*All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSC’s confidentiality statement at http://apo.ucsc.edu/confstm.htm.

CLOSING DATE: Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2015. To ensure full consideration, applications should be completed and letters of reference received by this date. The position will remain open until filled, but no later than 6/30/2017.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to: Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064; (831) 459-2686.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available here or from the Academic Personnel Office (APO) at (831) 459-4300.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Academic Personnel Office at apo@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4300.

VISIT THE APO WEB SITE AT: http://apo.ucsc.edu Revised 9/8/15

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Letter of Application - Addressing how you meet the qualifications

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Research Statement

  • Sample of Published Material (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 letters of reference required