Research Associate in Earth Sciences (Purdue University)

Requisition ID: 38870 Location: West Lafayette, IN Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), Purdue University Posting Start Date: September 22, 2025 Job Description 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 of Dr. Marissa Tremblay, and the Purdue Rare Isotope Measurement (PRIME) laboratory, under the supervision of Dr. Marc Caffee, as part of the NASA-funded Planetary Science Enabling Facility (PRECISE) at Purdue. The research associate will be responsible for: Assisting PRECISE facility users in planning coordinated experiments. Performing research and working independently on large, moderately complex projects and assignments under the supervision of various PIs. Preparing samples, conducting measurements, interpreting resulting data, and accessing data through PRECISE. Performing XCT analyses in collaborator Dr. Laura Pyrak-Nolte’s laboratory and assisting in interpretation of XCT data coordinated with noble gas and radionuclide measurements. The division of time between T@P and PRIME will vary depending on user demand for the PRECISE facility. Appointment Term: 1-year position with potential renewal up to 4 years pending satisfactory performance and funding availability. Application Instructions: 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 of this position. Applications must include: Cover letter describing qualifications and long-term career objectives Curriculum Vitae (CV) Names and contact information for 2-3 references Applications will be reviewed as received; the position will be filled as soon as possible. What We're Looking For Education and Experience Required: Master’s degree in planetary science, Earth science, or a related field. Equivalencies are not accepted. Preferred: Ph.D. Skills Needed: Mass spectrometry analysis and operation Vacuum system handling Geologic sample handling and preparation Computer programming in languages such as Python or Matlab Additional Information Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position. Background check required for employment. FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime) Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period Benefits: Purdue University offers medical, dental, vision insurance, and generous paid time off 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 opportunities to live, learn, and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture. Equal Opportunity Employer: Purdue University is an EOE employer. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Requisition ID: 38870
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), Purdue University
Posting Start Date: September 22, 2025

Job Description

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 of Dr. Marissa Tremblay, and the Purdue Rare Isotope Measurement (PRIME) laboratory, under the supervision of Dr. Marc Caffee, as part of the NASA-funded Planetary Science Enabling Facility (PRECISE) at Purdue.

The research associate will be responsible for:

Assisting PRECISE facility users in planning coordinated experiments.
Performing research and working independently on large, moderately complex projects and assignments under the supervision of various PIs.
Preparing samples, conducting measurements, interpreting resulting data, and accessing data through PRECISE.
Performing XCT analyses in collaborator Dr. Laura Pyrak-Nolte’s laboratory and assisting in interpretation of XCT data coordinated with noble gas and radionuclide measurements.

The division of time between T@P and PRIME will vary depending on user demand for the PRECISE facility.

Appointment Term: 1-year position with potential renewal up to 4 years pending satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Application Instructions:
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 of this position. Applications must include:

Cover letter describing qualifications and long-term career objectives
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Names and contact information for 2-3 references

Applications will be reviewed as received; the position will be filled as soon as possible.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

Master’s degree in planetary science, Earth science, or a related field.
Equivalencies are not accepted.

Preferred:

Ph.D.

Skills Needed:

Mass spectrometry analysis and operation
Vacuum system handling
Geologic sample handling and preparation
Computer programming in languages such as Python or Matlab

Additional Information

Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.
Background check required for employment.
FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
Benefits: Purdue University offers medical, dental, vision insurance, and generous paid time off 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 opportunities to live, learn, and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Purdue University is an EOE employer.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

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