Biogeochemistry Mass Spectrometrist - 134518

The Earth Section of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography encompasses research in the Cecil H. & Ida M. Green Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP) and the Geosciences Research Division (GRD). Research in IGPP spans a broad range of topics in geophysics including seismology, geodynamics, geodesy and crustal deformation, geomorphology, planetary physics, geomagnetism and paleomagnetism, oceanography, and electrical methods. The Cecil and Ida Green IGPP is recognized internationally as an outstanding research and teaching institution in geophysics with a focus on maintaining modern infrastructure for conducting research including buildings, computer networks, computing mass storage, seagoing instrumentation, communications, and global observatories. Research in GRD embraces atmospheric, marine, and solid earth chemistry, cosmochemistry, paleoceanography and paleoclimate, stratigraphy, geobiology and paleoecology, hydrogeology, global and regional tectonics, and paleomagnetism.

The Biogeochemistry Mass Spectrometrist will adapt established MS methods to characterize and quantify marine polyphosphate (polyP).PolyP is a ubiquitous biopolymer made by every cell in nature. In the ocean, our understanding of polyP content and speciation is incomplete because these have rarely been measured, and current technical approaches are limited.

Under close supervision position will optimize the separation of standard polyP chain lengths with HPLC methods, applying MS methods for the characterization of polyP speciation (ESI-MS) and abundance (ICP-MS), and the analysis of seawater and culture samples. Additional responsibilities may include conducting fluorescence-based assays for relative quantification of polyP, cultivating microbial cultures in the lab, conducting cell counts via flow cytometry, and running enzyme activity assays. This project is in collaboration with the laboratory of Solange Duhamel at the University of Arizona. This position will include close coordination with the Duhamel lab for the analysis of field and microbial culture samples.

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, environmental science or equivalent combination of education and work experience, and research experience beyond coursework. Masters degree preferred.

• Theoretical knowledge of science, especially biology and chemistry.

• Working knowledge of general lab equipment such as spectrophotometer, pH meter, GC, MS, analytical balance, gas generators with experience in an environmental research laboratory.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Word and data processing software.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with purchasing procedures and requirements.

• Demonstrated knowledge of hazards and skill in handling various chemicals and solvents.

• Skill at keeping records to be used by others. Must be detail oriented.

• Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills including tact and diplomacy. Ability to work with diverse groups of students, educators, researchers and technicians in the laboratory.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• This position is for one (1) year with possibility of extension.

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