"Rsch Pro 5-Research Lab"

About the Job

The Institute for Rock Magnetism (IRM) is a National Multi-user Facility funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the University of Minnesota (UMN), which serves researchers using rock, paleo-, and geomagnetic techniques in the advancement of a broad range of disciplines, including geoscience, geophysics, planetary science, archaeology and anthropology, materials science, physics, biology, and engineering. The instruments maintained at the IRM and the expertise of IRM staff attract a steady flow of domestic and international researchers and are also available to UMN faculty and students. This position contributes to the operation of the IRM (80%), including maintaining and developing the IRM’s array of instrumentation and database infrastructure, facilitating lab users in their research (both formal and informal external visitors as well as UMN faculty and students), and contributing to strategic planning and grant proposal efforts in support of IRM operations. Additionally, 20% of the position is dedicated the employee’s independent research.

Essential Functions:

1. Instrumentation support. This position has shared responsibility with IRM Senior Scientist for routine operational support of the lab’s array of instrumentation, including overseeing maintenance, calibration, and configuration of magnetic equipment (e.g., superconducting SQUID magnetometers and susceptometers, Mössbauer spectrometers, magnetic microscopes), designing instrument control software, and troubleshooting computer hardware. (20%).
2. Database support and development. This position is intimately involved in the maintenance and development of the IRM’s internal database and its connection(s) to external disciplinary databases (e.g., MagIC). Database development efforts will require developing and evaluating methods and approaches that (i) increase accessibility, usability, efficiency, and interoperability, and (ii) incorporate machine learning and other forms of artificial intelligence to aid users in maximizing the research utility of the data collected at the IRM. (15%).
3. Lab user and community support. Working independently and in collaboration with the IRM facility Manager and Senior Scientist with all categories of lab users in all aspects of their research at the IRM, including training users in experimental design, specimen preparation, instrument configuration, data processing, analysis and interpretation, and laboratory safety. Occasionally, this position may require providing intellectual support for external members of the geomagnetic community. (25%)
4. IRM outreach and strategic activities. Contributing to IRM's interactions with the global research community through the IRM web site, biennial conferences, workshops, the summer school for rock magnetism; Participating with IRM's faculty and external Review and Advisory Committee in strategic planning and in evaluation of Visiting Researcher proposals; Contributing to grant proposals for IRM’s operational support and for instrument acquisition/upgrades. (15%)
5. Independent research. Leading and advancing independent research, presenting results through presentations at meetings and publications in peer-reviewed journals, and writing proposals for research support (20%)
6. Other duties of a similar nature or scope as assigned. (5%)

Qualifications

Required qualifications: Master's degree with one or more years of research training

Preferred qualifications: PhD/Advanced degree

About the Department

The Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences is a vibrant interdisciplinary department whose faculty’s research ranges from paleoclimate to deep earth dynamics. The Department is in the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences (www.cse.umn.edu/esci) which also includes the Institute for Rock Magnetism, the Continental Scientific Drilling Coordination Facility, the Minnesota Geological Survey, and the Polar Geospatial Center. The majority of the School resides in John T. Tate Hall on the Minneapolis campus, with some labs on the St. Paul campus. Other affiliated research units at the University include the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, the Institute on the Environment, and the BioTechnology Institute.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $65,000 to $80,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.