Special Information

• This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.
• This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.
• Driving a vehicle on behalf of the university is anticipated to be a regular part of this position. Arizona Administrative Code Fleet Safety Policy requires all employees who drive on university business become authorized by submitting Driver’s license information for driving record monitoring, and completion of training appropriate to the level of driving performed. The law applies to all faculty, staff, and students who drive personal or university-owned motorized vehicles for any business purpose. More information on the NAU Authorized Driver Policy can be found on the NAU website.

About the Department/College

At Northern Arizona University, the School of Earth and Sustainability trains undergraduate and graduate students to be leading researchers and practitioners in geology, environmental sciences, and sustainability, often collaborating across disciplinary boundaries. Our students spend time learning in the field, working on cutting-edge research, and collaborating with agencies.

About the Position

This position is based in a laboratory setting within the School of Earth and Sustainability at Northern Arizona University. The work is primarily conducted indoors in a research laboratory environment, with regular exposure to laboratory equipment, compressed gases, high-voltage electronics, lasers, and hazardous chemicals such as acids and reagents used in sample preparation and analysis. Strict adherence to safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), is required. The position may occasionally involve lifting or moving moderately heavy equipment and standing for extended periods while operating or maintaining instruments. Some flexibility in work hours may be necessary to accommodate instrument maintenance, unexpected technical issues, or to support student and faculty research needs. Occasional travel may be required for professional development, vendor training, or collaboration with external institutions.

This position will oversee operations, maintenance, and user training for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICP-MS) and laser ablation (LA) systems in the School of Earth and Sustainability at NAU. This position supports research and development of LA-ICP-MS methods in collaboration with faculty, students, and external researchers.

Specific responsibilities include: operate, maintain, and perform repairs on ICP-MS and LA instrumentation; train and support faculty, students, and staff in the safe and effective use of mass spectrometry equipment; provide technical guidance on method development and data acquisition strategies; manage access for internal and external users as part of a recharge facility; and collaborate on research projects and facilitate analytical services for affiliated institutions.

Responsibilities Include

30% - Operation and Maintenance of Instrumentation

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot ICP-MS and laser ablation systems to ensure optimal performance and data quality.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibrations, and minor repairs.

25% - User Training and Support

• Train and support faculty, staff, and students in safe and effective use of laboratory instrumentation.
• Develop training materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

15% - Research and Method Development Support

• Collaborate with internal and external researchers on method development and data acquisition strategies.
• Assist with sample preparation and analysis as needed.

15% - Laboratory Management and Recordkeeping

• Maintain detailed records of maintenance, calibration, and performance logs.
• Manage lab supplies, safety compliance, and scheduling of instrument use.

10% - Recharge Facility Coordination and External User Support

• Coordinate lab usage as a recharge facility, communicate with external collaborators, and manage billing or scheduling processes in compliance with university policies.

Other - 5%

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in relevant discipline.
• 4 years of research support experience.

*A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant discipline.
• Preferred experience includes operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of mass spectrometers and laser ablation systems, particularly in a research or academic environment.
• Experience working with environmental or geological samples, developing and accessing analytical methods, and participating in a recharge facility or shared research setting is also preferred.
• The candidate should have a record of successfully training and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory techniques and instrumentation.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• A strong foundational understanding of the physics and engineering principles behind these instruments is desirable, along with demonstrated proficiency in computer hardware, instrument control software, and network integration.
• This position requires practical knowledge of ICP-MS and laser ablation system operation, calibration, and maintenance.
• The role also demands excellent computer literacy, including experience with data acquisition systems and basic networking protocols.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of relevant research practices.
• Knowledge of research methods, protocols, data collection, and analysis.
• Knowledge of relevant research discipline.
• Knowledge of proper safety and compliance practices related to the conduct of research.

Skills

• The candidate must possess strong troubleshooting skills for resolving complex hardware, software, and electronic issues.
• Effective organizational and time-management skills are essential to maintain maintenance logs, manage user access, and coordinate laboratory priorities.
• Technical understanding and proficiency related to conducting relevant research procedures.

Abilities

• The ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively with students, faculty, and external researchers is critical.
• The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, attention to detail, a strong commitment to research integrity, and a proactive approach to laboratory safety and training in a dynamic academic research environment.
• Monitors and coordinates complex research activities with multiple components.
• Balances competing priorities and makes decisions regarding resource allocation.
• Organizes data and information and supports analysis; may conduct independent analysis or review.
• Communicates effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences, including external parties.

Compensation

Salary range is $58,882 to $61,620. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

Pre-Employment Check

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Also, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Fire and Security Report

Each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Immigration Support/Sponsorship

NAU will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.