Research Associate in Quantitative Microanalysis

University of British Columbia

We are seeking a research associate in the field of quantitative microanalysis to contribute scientific expertise to the UBC Electron Microbeam/X-ray Diffraction Facility (EMXDF), in the Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Science. The facility consists of the following instruments: A JEOL JXA-iHP200F fitted with dual Bruker detectors and equipped with AMICS automated mineralogy software, a Hitachi SU3900 scanning electron microscope (SEM) with Bruker energy-dispersive x-ray detectors (EDX) and equipped with AMICS automated mineralogy software, and Delmic cathodoluminescence detector, and two Bruker x-ray powder diffractometers (XRD).
The position will involve quantitative x-ray analysis on a new field emission electron microprobe (FE-EPMA) instrument, providing automated mineralogy analysis, technical assistance, and other potential analyses.
The selected candidate may be asked to provide hands-on educational processes that engage upper year and graduate students in real world applications of advanced electron microbeam analytical techniques to geological and hard materials problems in a classroom and/or laboratory environment.
The selected candidate will collaborate with staff research scientists, faculty members and other users of the facility in the development, planning, and performance of analytical projects.
The scope of the analytical work will include instructing and supervising users of the facilities, providing advice on project scope, planning how to achieve research goals, providing quantitative EPMA and SEM analysis of various materials and providing automated mineralogy analysis of various materials.
In addition, the candidate will be responsible for maintaining the scheduling and upkeep of the EPMA, establishing project budgets and budget management and developing new analytical procedures and user manuals for EPMA, SEM and automated mineralogy.
We seek a researcher with demonstrated experience in real world analytical problem-solving with electron microbeam techniques. This individual should have exceptional communication and organizational skills, and a strong record in developing analytical techniques on field emission electron microprobe instrumentation.
The following are all required:
• A PhD with a specialization in mineralogy
• Demonstrated experience with electron microprobe wavelength dispersive spectroscopy including designing methods and advanced use of a JEOL field emission electron microprobe analyzer
• Demonstrated experience in automated mineralogy data collection and analysis using AMICS software
• A minimum of ten years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; strong inter-personal skills and the ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.
The following are all strongly desired: a particular specialization in light element analysis; strong community engagement within the greater microscopy community; willingness to learn new methods of quantitative phase analysis, experience in mentoring and supervising graduate and undergraduate students within the laboratory.
The candidate will work creatively with minimal supervision, will make independent decisions, will have wide latitude in task scheduling to deliver technical reports meeting firm deadlines, and discuss design progress, results, changes, and suggestions with project supervisors.
The position requires the ability to write and present technical materials and reports, and also high-level skills in reviewing and quality-controlling experimental data. Successful candidates must be able to compile literature data and analyze experimental data with a high level of proficiency.
This position is for a two-year term, the expected pay range for this position is $95,000 to $106,000 per annum. Candidates can submit their application here: https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ubcfacultyjobs/details/Research-Associate_JR19541 The position closes on January 18, 2025.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.