Job Description
Req Id:  38870
Job Title:  Scientific Research Associate
City:  West Lafayette
Job Description: 

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The Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) at Purdue University seeks a scientific research associate to work between the T@P noble gas mass spectrometry facility in EAPS, under the supervision Dr. Marissa Tremblay, and the Purdue Rare Isotope MEasurment (PRIME) laboratory, under the supervision of Dr. Marc Caffee, as part of the overarching NASA-funded Planetary Science Enabling Facility at Purdue called PRECISE.

 

The research associate will be responsible for assisting PRECISE facility users in planning coordinated experiments, performing research, working independently on large, moderately complex research projects and assignments under the supervision of various PIs, preparing samples, conducting measurements and interpreting the resulting data, and accessing their data through PRECISE. The division of time between T@P and PRIME will vary depending on user demand for the PRECISE facility. Additionally, the research associate will perform XCT analyses in collaborator Dr. Laura Pyrak-Nolte’s laboratory and assist in the interpretation of XCT data coordinated with noble gas and radionuclide measurements.

 

This is a 1-year position with the potential for renewal for up to 4 years pending satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Marissa Tremblay (tremblam@purdue.edu) and Dr. Marc Caffee (mcaffee@purdue.edu) prior to applying to learn more about PRECISE and the specific roles this Scientific Research Associate will play. Applications must include a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of 2-3 references. The cover letter should describe your qualifications for the position as well as your long-term career objectives. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we intend to fill this position as soon as possible.

 

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

  • A Master’s degree in planetary science, Earth science, or a related field is required
  • Equivalencies are not accepted for this position

 

Preferred:

  • Ph.D. 

 

Skills Needed:

  • Skills in mass spectrometry analysis and operation, vacuum system handling, geologic sample handling and preparation, and computer programming in languages such as Python or Matlab are strongly preferred.

 

Additional Information:

  • Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period   
  • Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

 

Career Stream

Professional 2

  • Pay Band S120
  • Job Code #20003716

Career pathmaker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

 

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

 

EOE

Purdue University is an EOE employer.

Posting Start Date:  9/22/25