Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory Scientist

The Geophysical Institute is a research-focused organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers a competitive work environment with strong benefits, including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute values collaboration, accountability, and the exchange of ideas. We foster a professional and respectful environment dedicated to serving Alaska through applied science. Career growth and professional development are supported and encouraged.

As a public, regional, comprehensive university, UAF welcomes applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

The Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory Scientist performs advanced preparation, characterization, and analysis of geological and related materials in support of university research, student training, externally sponsored projects, and Alaska Critical Mineral Accelerator initiatives. The Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory (AIL) is established and specializes in surface and elemental analysis as well as electron microscopy - https://www.gi.alaska.edu/facilities/ail

The position independently operates and supports a suite of analytical and imaging systems, including electron microprobe analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The Laboratory Scientist prepares complex geological samples, develops and validates analytical methods, evaluates and organizes analytical data, maintains quality and safety documentation, drafts reports and summaries, and trains students, researchers, and other facility users.

Working under the direction of Dr. Sean P. Regan and Dr. Nathan Graham, the position collaborates with principal investigators, research teams, industry partners, government agencies, and ACMA stakeholders to develop analytical approaches for routine and non-routine critical-mineral and earth-material applications.

To thrive in this position, the successful candidate must be equally comfortable performing detailed hands-on laboratory work, applying independent scientific judgment to complex analytical questions, and conducting data synthesis and interpreting results for both reports and publications. The position requires proficiency in geological sample preparation, operation of sophisticated analytical instrumentation, method development, data-quality evaluation, and interpretation of mineralogical, textural, and chemical data. The position also requires the ability to develop reports and publications, such as the Department of Natural Resources' Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File Publications (https://dggs.alaska.gov/pubs/series/dggs/raw-data-file).

Success requires careful organization, patience, mechanical aptitude, scientific curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to laboratory safety and data integrity. The successful candidate will work effectively with users with varying levels of laboratory experience, clearly communicate analytical capabilities and limitations, and shift between routine service work and non-routine research applications without compromising quality or documentation.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in geoscience, geology, mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, materials science, chemistry, or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.

Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience operating multiple advanced analytical instruments, developing laboratory methods, interpreting scientific data, or supporting a complex shared-use analytical facility; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
PhD degree in a related field.
Experience working in the mining sector, economic development, innovation ecosystems, research programs, or resource-based industries.
Familiarity with NSF, federal grant reporting, or similar program requirements.

Position Details:

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of three (3) professional references with your application.

We review applications on a rolling basis. Because we may close the posting once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates is established, we encourage early submission. Please note that once a viable pool is identified, further applications may not be reviewed. 

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

If you need assistance applying to this posting, please contact GI - Office of Human Resources at 907-474-7357 or at uaf-gi-hr@alaska.edu.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

The University of Alaska reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at University of Alaska facilities. Remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the discretion of the University. Remote work for employees based outside the State of Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or where required by the job duties of the position.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.