Research Professional

Department
 

PSD Geophysical Sciences: Administration and Staff

About the Department
 

The Department of the Geophysical Sciences provides a vibrant venue in which scientists carry out research across several broad subject areas that span the past, present, and future evolution of the Earth, its life, and its cosmic environment. We pride ourselves in the innovative and interdisciplinary research of highly accomplished faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates, all of whom push the boundaries of their respective fields.
The Department supports a PhD program in Geophysical Sciences while offering undergraduate degrees in both Geophysical Sciences and Environmental Science which allow students to discover, learn, and share knowledge about the natural processes that have and continue to shape our world and other planetary bodies. The Department is committed to fostering an environment where individuals from all backgrounds can grow and become the unique scientists they wish to be.

Job Summary
 

This position, for a PhD researcher, oversees research on airborne measurements and their interpretation in the Moyer Group at The University of Chicago. We design and build cutting edge instrumentation to measure water and its isotopes aboard high-altitude research aircraft (e.g., the NASA WB-57F) and in cloud chambers (e.g., the AIDA chamber) via optical spectroscopy. This position will supervise instrument development in lab at the University; lead the group on field campaigns; supervise engineering staff and postdocs, mentor students; interact with federal agencies, engineers, and scientists at facilities throughout the country specializing in high-altitude airborne research or in chamber studies of cloud formation; and conduct high-quality science derived from and related to measurements made with laboratory instruments. The researcher will also draft manuscripts, present research at conferences, and participate in preparation of proposals.

Responsibilities

• Helps in leading research and engineering projects involving in-situ measurements for atmospheric science.

• Leads the design and implementation of instrument modifications, including creating specifications and budgets, meeting with engineers, and overseeing testing and validation.

• Participates in airborne research campaigns, including acting as liaison to leadership and other research groups and supervising students and other researchers.

• As part of research campaigns, travels to field locations with the instrument.

• Conducts laboratory and field research using optical spectroscopy.

• Develops scientific findings based on measurements, leads on peer-reviewed research papers, and presents results at conferences.

• Develops new applications of isotopic measurements in laboratory and field settings.

• Helps in preparing proposals and reporting for federal and other grants. Communicates with program managers.

• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Contributes to facilitating and promoting a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.

• Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:         

• PhD in Geosciences, Physics, Environmental Engineering, or related discipline.

Experience:       

• Field work with an airborne or cloud chamber instrument.

• Optical spectroscopy, including design of new instrumentation.

• Atmospheric science: interpretation of measurements from in-situ (aircraft, balloons) and remote platforms.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Optics and optical spectroscopy.

• Broad engineering knowledge, both mechanical and electrical, as is typical for a PhD in experimental physics or other applied physical science.

• Signal processing and measurement interpretation, including error analysis.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities.

• Demonstrated scientific excellence at the level expected for a postdoctoral scholar or research associate at the University of Chicago.

• Creativity and drive in developing new research applications and in interpreting data.

• Ability to juggle multiple priorities, including in stressful field situations.

• Strong presentation and communication skills.

Working Conditions

• Office setting – 50%

• Laboratory setting – 50%

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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