Researcher/Scientist III, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory - Tucson

Position Highlights · The Research/Scientist III will oversee the focused-ion-beam scanning-electron microscope laboratory, manage the Raman laboratory, and support the maintenance and operation of the SEM laboratory within the Kuiper–Arizona Laboratory for Astromaterials Analysi ...

Job description

Position Highlights

The Research/Scientist III will oversee the focused-ion-beam scanning-electron microscope laboratory, manage the Raman laboratory, and support the maintenance and operation of the SEM laboratory within the Kuiper–Arizona Laboratory for Astromaterials Analysis (K‑ALFAA) at the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory.

The role involves assisting users with sample preparation as well as handling tasks such as moving gas cylinders, troubleshooting instrumentation, and inspecting equipment components.

The successful candidate will also be expected to develop a working familiarity with water chillers, uninterruptible power supplies, and coordinate routine maintenance with service engineers.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more

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Duties & Responsibilities

Operate and maintain the ThermoFisher Helios G3 focused-ion-beam scanning-electron microscope (FIB-SEM) laboratory.
Troubleshoot and perform or coordinate instrument maintenance, service, and repair.
Manage instrument scheduling, maintain lab records (including data archiving), submit monthly billing, and order routine operational supplies.
Establish and monitor compliance with safe operating procedures within the lab as per university regulations.

Organize individual or group training sessions and certify new users for safe and proper instrument use, which may also include organizing and running user workshops.

Help oversee user operation of facility sample-preparation equipment.
Collaborate with users (faculty, students, and postdocs) on new experiments, data interpretation, publications, and grant proposals (where appropriate).

Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the Renishaw InVia Raman spectrometer, including coordinating service and repairs, managing scheduling, maintaining lab records and data archives, submitting monthly billing, and ordering routine supplies.

Assist in the operation and maintenance of the facility's Hitachi SEMs, including instrument upkeep, scheduling, and training new users in collaboration with the co‑manager.

Perform general lab and office tasks, including discussing lab capabilities and project needs with internal and external users.
Set up user accounts in iLab and provide lab tours as needed.
Conduct lab‑safety inspections and assist with proposal or manuscript writing when required.
Maintain laboratory supplies, including ordering and inventory management.
Participate in facility meetings or webinars as needed and occasionally travel to conferences to maintain professional skills.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Knowledge of electron and ion optics.
Knowledge of electron scattering, ionization processes, and the physics of X‑ray generation.
Knowledge of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and TEM sample‑preparation techniques.
Knowledge of the Windows operating system.
Skill in performing TEM sample preparation, including the steady‑hand dexterity required when working with FIB grids.
Skill in verbal and written communication.
Skill in organization and time management.

Ability to effectively share information and interface professionally with students, postdocs, faculty, and other customers via email, phone, or in person.

Ability to follow clean‑laboratory practices and safely handle basic chemicals, including alcohols and solvents.
Knowledge of Raman spectroscopy.

Physical Requirements And Environmental Demands

Lifting:
Employees are occasionally required to lift/move/transport up to 50 pounds.

Hazards:
Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals in a work setting

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience is required.
Minimum of five years of relevant work experience is required.

Preferred QualificationsFLSAExemptFull Time/Part TimeFull TimeNumber of Hours Worked per Week40Job FTE1.0Work CalendarFiscalJob CategoryResearchBenefits EligibleYes - Full BenefitsRate of PayDOECompensation Typesalary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)Grade8Compensation GuidanceThe Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and LevelPC3Job FamilyResearchers & ScientistsJob FunctionResearchType of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)Number of Vacancies1Target Hire Date7/1/2026Expected End DateContact Information for CandidatesDr. Thomas Zega

.eduOpen Date2/19/2026Open Until FilledYesDocuments Needed to ApplyResume and Cover LetterSpecial Instructions to ApplicantFinalists will be asked to provide at least three professional references.

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