Raman and Geomicrobiology Lab Manager

Job Summary

The Department of Geology encourages applications for a Raman and Geomicrobiology Lab Manager! This position will oversee spectroscopic, geochemical and microbiological facilities in the Benson Earth Sciences Building, to support the research conducted by a diversity of students, researchers and government and industrial partners. The Lab Manager will also engage in collaborative research projects, including research connected to geological and biological hydrogen production and consumption.  Lab management will include planning, preparing, and executing experiments, data analysis and synthesis by multiple users. The Lab Manager will also be responsible for training and assisting lab members and users, maintaining a safe and productive working environment, simple maintenance of instrument and equipment, and general troubleshooting. The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.  

Who We Are

Geology is a science concerned with the Earth - its relationship to the solar system, its origin and developmental history, its structure and composition, its dynamic processes, and its evolution. Geology also relates to human endeavors and needs, including the use of natural resources, the preservation of the environment, global change, and the mitigation of geologic hazards.   

The University of Colorado at Boulder is ideally suited to the study of geological sciences. At the junction of the high plains and the Rocky Mountains, the Boulder area represents a natural outdoor laboratory where you can study geological features of all ages in diverse settings, and observe earth processes firsthand. Fieldwork in the Rocky Mountain region is an essential part of instruction and research.   

The department considers the diverse opportunities for field studies in the high plains and central Rocky Mountains of Colorado a particular strength of its undergraduate programs. In addition, the department has research laboratories for studying rock and mineral deformation, soils, sedimentation, geomicrobial processes, petrology and mineralogy.  

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Manage the Raman Lab

• Training and assisting new users on the Raman and FTIR microscopes
• Conduct Raman/FTIR analyses on behalf of external users
• Assist users with data analysis and interpretation 
• Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• General maintenance to sustain a clean, organized, and productive work environment
• Take a lead role in recordkeeping and invoicing users
• Assist the lab Director with managing the lab’s finances

Manage the Geochemistry and Geomicrobiology Lab

• Managing inventory and ordering supplies
• Coordinating hazardous waste disposal
• Overseeing lab safety
• General maintenance to sustain a clean, organized, productive work environment
• Occasional equipment maintenance/troubleshooting
• Collaborate on current lab research activities, including research focused on geochemical and biological processes involved in hydrogen cycling.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this full-time position is 40,000-75,000 annually.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology/Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
• 2 years of experience working in a lab.

What You Will Need

• The responsibilities for this position require initiative, a research-oriented mindset, and a positive attitude towards problem solving.
• Excellent computational skills, with a demonstrated ability to master new software.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Collaborative work ethic.
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team.
• Strong organizational skills.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Direct experience with Raman Spectroscopy and/or Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy.
• Experience managing a laboratory.
• Experience with maintenance, troubleshooting of analytical equipment.
• Experience training new users on analytical equipment.
• Experience with data archival/preservation, data processing, and data analysis.
• Some experience with a programming language, especially for data analysis (e.g. R or Python).
• An advanced degree in Geological, Chemical or Biological Sciences.
• Background in low-temperature geochemistry or geomicrobiology.
• Interest in water-rock reaction, serpentinization, geological hydrogen production, and/or subsurface microbial communities.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Optional: PDF Sample of Work
4. Optional: Portfolio Link

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor.  However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version.   During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request a letter of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.    Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.   Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email.  For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.