Researcher​/Scientist III, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory; UPDATED

Overview

Researcher/Scientist III, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (UPDATED) — Posting Number: req
25199.

Location:

Tucson Campus, Tucson, AZ USA. Department:
Lunar and Planetary Laboratory. Website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

• Operate and maintain the Thermo Fisher 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 comanager.
• 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 labsafety 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 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.

• 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.

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

• Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, materials science, geoscience, or a related field

• FLSA:
  Exempt
• Full Time/Part Time:
  Full Time
• Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40
• Job FTE: 1.0
• Work Calendar:
  Fiscal
• Job Category:
  Research
• Benefits Eligible:
  Yes - Full Benefits
• Rate of Pay: DOE
• Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
• Grade: 8
• Career Stream and Level: PC3
• Job Family:
  Researchers & Scientists
• Job Function:
  Research
• Type of criminal background check required:
  Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Target Hire Date: 7/1/2026
• Open Date: 2/19/2026
• Open Until Filled:
  Yes
• Contact Information for Candidates:
  Dr. Thomas Zega, tzega
• Documents Needed to Apply:
  Resume and Cover Letter
• Special Instructions to Applicant:
  Finalists will be asked to provide at least three professional references.
• Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:
  In compliance with the Clery Act, the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) and, for Main Campus, a combined Annual Fire Safety report. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact.