Senior Research Specialist

Requisition # 2025-21417

Date Posted 1 month ago (12/22/2025 11:28 AM)

Department: Geosciences

Category: Research and Laboratory

Job Type: Part-Time

Name of Lab: Sigman Lab

Overview

This research specialist is an integral part of the research team in this exceptionally active lab. The Sigman isotope biogeochemistry lab performs isotopic measurements of nitrogen from environmental samples in the new Princeton Geosciences Isotope Facility (PGIF), which equipment such as the Thermo MAT253 stable isotope mass spectrometer, a Thermo Delta V mass spectrometer, and a purpose-built sample introduction system.

This research specialist is responsible for maintaining overall Sigman lab functionality, with specific responsibilities in the areas of sample preparation and analysis, adaptation of new equipment for lab use (including protocol and methodology development), monitoring and maintaining lab equipment, interfacing with vendor representatives and technicians, training and supervision of undergraduates and visiting researchers, and initial training of graduate students and postdocs. Additional duties include purchasing of consumables and ensuring the proper managing, cataloging, shipping, and handling of scientific samples.

The full-time equivalent salary range is $60,000 to $75,000, as this is a part-time position with reduced duty time, the actual pay range is $45,600 to $57,000.

Responsibilities

Sample Analysis: preparation of environmental samples in the Sigman lab preparation and analysis of these samples utilizing the Sigman mass spectrometers in the PGIF facility; ensure data is safely and securely stored and backed up in accordance with OIT policies.

Equipment management: manage the process for incorporating new equipment for lab use (including protocol and methodology development); monitor and maintaining lab equipment for unexpected variations; follow recommended maintenance schedules for equipment including replacement of consumable components on schedule; diagnose and troubleshoot problems with lab equipment; interface with vendor representatives and technicians when necessary; and schedule equipment usage.

Compliance and Personnel: monitor compliance by lab group members with all relevant EHS policies; keep lab policy documents up to date; review information in the SHIELD database; ensure compliance with the lab's standard operating procedures by training/supervising of undergraduates and visiting researchers, and onboarding graduate students and postdocs.

Sample Management: organizing the lab’s inventory of samples and reference materials, held either in Briger Hall or at the department's offsite storage facilities. Perform needed maintenance on the -20 and -80 freezers according to schedule to keep the risks of freezer failure low.

General lab duties: monitor consumable supplies including specialty gases and chemical reagents and ensure that supplies are ordered in anticipation of lab needs. Perform general lab maintenance activities as needed.

Qualifications

Qualifications include a bachelor degree in geosciences, biology, chemistry or a related scientific field. Laboratory experience is required. The candidate should be organized, meticulous, and capable of working independently; a commitment to maintaining a clean and organized laboratory is required.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

Standard Weekly Hours 36.25

Eligible for Overtime No

Benefits Eligible Yes

Probationary Period 180 days

Salary Range $60,000 to $75,000