Director, Hamilton Analytical Lab

Director, Hamilton Analytical Lab

Location:
Clinton, NY
Open Date:
Mar 30, 2022
Description:

To oversee the operation of the Hamilton Analytical Laboratory (HAL), an in-house and commercial WD-XRF facility that provides chemical analyses of geological materials to support scientific research and education. Primary responsibilities include calibrating, maintaining, and operating the College’s  WD-XRF spectrometer, as well as processing LA-ICPMS data provided by a partner institution. Job also involves supervision of a ½ time assistant, and coordination and training of undergraduate student workers. Person will also be responsible for maintaining a wide range of supporting laboratory equipment and will be expected to communicate with clients in a timely fashion.

Responsibilities:

• Calibrating, maintaining, operating, and reducing geochemical data generated by, the College’s WD-XRF spectrometer 
• Processing LA-ICPMS data provided by a partner institution 
• Supervision of a ½ time assistant, and coordination and training of undergraduate student workers
• Maintain a wide range of supporting equipment and instrumentation, ranging from mechanical rock crushers and pulverizers to high temperature muffle furnaces and analytical balances 
• Communicate with clients to discuss details of submitted orders and to ensure that the lab can provide the data requested
• Participate in, and support, an annual week-long international XRF training workshop hosted by the College every summer

Qualifications:

Candidates should have an advanced degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in either geoscience or analytical chemistry, with a strong knowledge of geochemistry and/or extensive training and experience with WD-XRF analysis.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of WD-XRF spectrometry
• Knowledge of the chemical compositions of Earth materials (rocks, soils, minerals)
• Strong mathematical skills and ability to manipulate and graph data in Excel
• Basic mechanical and electrical knowledge to help troubleshoot and maintain lab equipment
• Good communication skills, both oral and written, to communicate clearly with clients and student employees
• Good interpersonal skills and willingness to support the educational goals of Hamilton faculty and students

Application Instructions:

Please submit cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Hamilton College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer and encourages diversity in all areas of the campus community.