The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University invites applications for a Senior Staff Associate I within the Seismology, Geology and Tectonophysics department. The Senior Staff Associate I will be responsible for managing the Rock and Ice Mechanics Lab, specifically operating and maintaining a triaxial apparatus, a uniaxial rig, a cryogenic biax, a benchtop Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and misc. furnaces and machining tools. Tasks include preparing samples, running experiments on serpentinization, carbon mineralization, and friction, including measurement of permeability and acoustic emissions, and characterization of microstructure and mineralogy of reactants and products. Tasks will evolve with the research interests of lead investigators and the successful candidate. Candidate will participate and collaborate with lead investigators on the reporting of results via publication. Additionally, candidate will maintain lab equipment, run calibrations, and assist in deformation studies of various Earth and planetary materials. Will train students, postdocs and visiting scientists on methods and instrument use and maintain a log of SEM usage. Experience with characterization of mineralogy and microstructure is a plus.

Duties and Responsibilities will include:

• Runs/oversees triaxial experiments, prepares samples, characterizes results.
• Implement an apparatus maintenance schedule, run periodic calibrations.
• Train and assist students, postdocs, and visitors on triax and SEM machines.
• Billing, budgeting, maintaining supplies.
• Update and implement University safety regulations for the lab.
• Will receive general supervision. In addition, will work closely with the lead investigators on long-term planning and development.
• Exercised independent judgement and initiative within set guidelines.
• Will potentially supervise lab assistants or summer casual employees and graduate students. 
• Responsibility for assistant the PI in developing, monitoring, and tracking proposal budgets. Also responsible for Lab budgeting and billing.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Geosciences or similar research field and 6-10 years of related experience is required. Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience strongly preferred. 
• Demonstrated competence in running experiments.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, and ability to use independent judgment required.
• Excellent writing experience preferred.
• Matlab and Python familiarity required.
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems, including high pressure experimentation, electrical wiring, machining and tooling, data acquisition, and sample preparation are needed.
• Experience with characterization of mineralogy and microstructure is a plus.

The search will remain open for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will remain open until the position is filled.

Appointments are made on a fiscal year basis and are eligible for renewal each July 1st, contingent upon performance and funding.

Columbia University benefits accompany this Officer of Research appointment.

The Lamont campus values diversity and inclusion, and encourages applications from members of underrepresented minority groups. 

We accept online applications only. 

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University?s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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