Research Associate

Position Focus :

Reporting to Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will play a critical role in managing the day-to-day operations of the Yale Metal Geochemistry Center working closely with researchers in the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture, processing and running soil samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Agilent 8900 and Thermo Scientific Element Series ICP-MS) and analyzing data for the purposes of quantifying carbon dioxide removal in agricultural soils.

They will support a 5-year project on Enhanced Rock Weathering funded by the USDA which incentivizes farmers to adopt practices that reduce GHG emissions and capture carbon dioxide.

The candidate will comply with all safety standards; perform initial user laboratory training, testing, and remediation and;

develop relationships with internal contacts such as faculty, researchers, students, and technical support groups to consult on research projects.

Essential Duties

1. Recommends the design and implementation of procedures and protocols under the direction of a higher-level authority.

2. Investigates, analyzes, and reaches preliminary scientific conclusions related to research planning 3. Ensures data results are compiled, analyzed, and presented properly.

4. Analyzes, develops and interprets scientific results. Maintains clear documentation of results. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports.

5. Performs independent research and laboratory techniques and participates in experimental research planning. 6. Interacts with internal contacts including the PI, research assistants, graduate students, Radiation Safety and Biological Safety officers, and Animal Care personnel to discuss and evaluate research results and to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory.

7. Interacts with external contacts such as researchers at other institutions, staff at biotechnology and reagents companies to consult on research methods and to keep abreast of product information and developments.

8. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in a scientific discipline and one year demonstrated experience or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated experience.

Required Skill / Ability 1 :

Proven ability to follow established lab procedures.

Required Skill / Ability 2 :

Ability to meet fixed deadlines and provide deliverables as set out by Principal Investigator (PI).

Required Skill / Ability 3 :

Solid understanding of and demonstrated skills using standard office software for scientific purposes.

Required Skill / Ability 4 :

Ability to make independent decisions / recommendations.

Required Skill / Ability 5 :

Flexibility, enthusiasm and ability to work as part of a close-knit team. Ability to prioritize workload.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills :

An advanced degree in Earth & Planetary Sciences, Chemistry or related field.

Drug Screen

Health Screening

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements.

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

The University maintains policies pertaining to COVID-19. All faculty, staff, students, and trainees are required to comply with these policies, which may be found here :

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position.

Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.