Research Associate (Assistant Director: Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Radiocarbon Facility)

Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment (PSIEE), in the Office of the Vice President for Research at The Pennsylvania State University (PSU), seeks a highly qualified Research Associate as an Assistant Director for the newly established Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Radiocarbon (14C) Facility. The laboratory is devoted to studying human interactions with the environment in the past and present. Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in chemistry, physics, geosciences or archaeology and have a strong and active research program employing AMS 14C. This includes a demonstrated ability to publish high profile academic papers and acquire extramural funding for research.

The successful applicant must be reliable, quick learning, innovative, highly organized, self-motivated, detail oriented, and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The assistant director will report to the scientific director and be responsible for: 1) participating in the development and implementation of a forward thinking inter-disciplinary vision of AMS 14C at Penn State; 2) executing cutting-edge, independent research using AMS 14C ; 3) writing grants to advance state-of-the-art AMS 14C research; 4) working collaboratively with researchers from multiple disciplines; 5) publishing high impact academic papers; 6) developing new applications and experimental techniques using AMS 14C; 7) managing the day-to-day operations of the facility; 8) operating and helping to maintain the Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (1.5SDH-1, Pelletron Accelerator, National Electrostatics Corporation, http://www.pelletron.com/), 9) supervising and training technicians and students in the preparation of materials of different types for radiocarbon analysis (e.g., charcoal, bone, air, water, shell, biofuel); 10) establishing, monitoring, and improving process chains for different sample types; 11) establishing quality controls and acquiring standards; 12) leading workshops, short courses and credit programs to advance AMS 14C knowledge.

This is a fixed-term appointment with an excellent possibility for renewal. To apply, submit a brief cover letter, curriculum vita, and the names and contact information of at least three references.