Assistant Scientist at Umiami

Current Employees: If you are a current Staff, Faculty or Temporary employee at the University of Miami, please click here to log in to Workday to use the internal application process. To learn how to apply for a faculty or staff position, please review this tip sheet. The Oehlert Research Group in the Department of Marine Geosciences at the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science invites applications for an Assistant Scientist position supporting a funded research program investigating the geochemistry of extreme environments. This is a full-time research position funded through a multi-year project investigating sedimentary, geochemical, and biogeochemical processes in lacustrine systems of the Atacama Desert, Chile. The position is initially funded for one year, with anticipated renewal opportunities for up to two additional years based on performance and continued project funding. About the Research Program The Oehlert Research Group investigates the interactions among biological, chemical, and physical processes that govern sediment formation and preservation in modern and ancient environments. Current research focuses on extreme lacustrine systems of the Atacama Desert, a unique natural laboratory for studying biogeochemical cycling, environmental change, sedimentary processes, and the preservation of biosignatures. The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative research team working at the interface of sedimentology, geochemistry, limnology, and microbiology. Position Responsibilities The Assistant Scientist will play a leading role in the execution of active research projects and laboratory operations. Responsibilities include: • Managing day-to-day research activities associated with the project • Operating and maintaining geochemical instrumentation and laboratory facilities • Conducting sample preparation and geochemical analyses • Supporting Research Group by mentoring undergraduate and graduate student researchers • Assisting with laboratory management, data quality control, lab safety, and project coordination • Participating in interdisciplinary collaborations across the University of Miami and partner institutions internationally • Contributing and possibly leading manuscript preparation, publication of research results, and scientific presentations • Supporting and, where appropriate, co-leading grant proposal development in collaboration with the Principal Investigator Field Research The position includes substantial fieldwork opportunities. Team member will be expected to participate in approximately two major field campaigns, each lasting approximately three weeks. Applicants should be enthusiastic about field-based research and willing to travel internationally. Required Qualifications • Ph.D. in Geochemistry, Geology, Oceanography, Environmental Science, Earth Science, or a closely related discipline • Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications • Experience conducting laboratory-based geochemical research • Strong organizational and project management skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative research team Preferred Qualifications • Experience operating and troubleshooting Gas Bench and Elemental Analyzer-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (EA-IRMS) systems • Experience with stable isotope geochemistry and potentially method development • Prior supervision or mentoring of students • Prior field experience • Experience with statistical analysis and scientific programming (e.g., R) Professional Development Opportunities The position offers opportunities for scientific leadership, development of independent research directions aligned with laboratory themes, mentorship of student researchers, method development, authorship of high-impact publications, and participation in external funding proposals. Application Materials Applicants should submit: • Cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience, including how their expertise aligns with project goals • Curriculum vitae • Contact information for three professional references The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences. The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida. With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service. The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information. Job Status: Full time Employee Type: Staff The mission of the University of Miami is to transform lives through education, research, innovation, and service. A vibrant and diverse academic and healthcare community, the University of Miami and the University of Miami Health System ("UHealth") have rapidly progressed to become one of the nation’s top research universities and academic medical centers in the nation. The University comprises 12 schools and colleges serving undergraduate and graduate students in more than 350 majors and programs. Visit welcome.miami.edu/about-um to learn more about our points of pride. The University ranks No. 55 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges list and ranked No. 49 in the 2022 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is ranked the #1 eye hospital in the USA and offers some of the nation's premiere eye doctors to treat every eye condition for adults. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer, part of the Miller School of Medicine, received the prestigious National Cancer Institute designation in 2019. The University of Miami and UHealth have also ranked among the Forbes Best Employers and Best Employers for Women on several occasions, most recently in 2022. With more than 17,000 faculty and staff, the University strives for excellence, and is driven by a powerful mission to transform and impact the lives of its students, patients, members of the community, and people across the globe. The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.