VACANCIES

We are seeking to appoint a full-time Carbon Marine Analytical Chemist in the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) as part of the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP).

The Opportunity

The Carbon Marine Analytical Chemist will be a member of Theme 2: The Nature and Impacts of Southern Ocean Change – and will support at-sea biogeochemical sensor calibration, sample analysis, data synthesis and quality control. The position requires the preparation of specialist marine sampling gear for field programs to exacting standards of cleanliness; participation in marine voyages, sample processing and distribution. Documentation and analysis of the collected samples for chemical content; detailed QC of the results and assembly of data for common distribution via the AODN; preparation of safety instructions, technical reports and contributions towards peer-reviewed scientific papers.

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide chemical analytical and marine technical support for science programs:
  • Preparation of large equipment for chemically clean marine sampling of dissolved and particulate material (e.g., rosettes, in situ pumps, sediment traps, autonomous samplers, and associated gear). This task includes testing/modification of new equipment, basic programming and electronics;
  • Assist with the design and troubleshooting of deployment options for marine sampling and sensor equipment on different research vessels and platforms, including liaising with support personnel from the Australian Antarctic Division, and CSIRO;
  • Participation in marine science field programs;
  • Analysis of major nutrients in seawater and sediment samples collected during research expeditions. This task requires knowledge of analytical equipment such as automated sample preparation systems, spectroscopic, coulometric, and elemental analysers and the sample handling requirements e.g. bottle preparation.
  • Day-to-day laboratory support of the marine biogeochemistry research group, including general laboratory organisation, liaison with lab managers and property services for the maintenance of fume cupboards, flow benches, pure water system, sample filtration and digestion equipment, coulometers, etc, ordering and administrative tasks; and
  • Maintain a clear and up to date database of samples and analytical results (including for quarantine purposes) and issue technical reports on these samples and results in formats useful to other scientists.
• Assist with the training of research students and other technical staff, including providing safe work instructions and risk assessments within the HSE framework, written protocols for research students and other technical staff as needed.
• Contribute to research project outcomes:
  • Participate in collaboration and communication activities with research users and other scientists; and
  • Provide research updates, including technical summaries, to partners and enterprises.

Your Application

To be successful in the role, your application will need to demonstrate:

• A degree in a relevant field of chemistry, environmental science, oceanography, geochemistry, or similar.
• Experience in performing sample collection, sampling processing and chemical analyses, including in remote environments (e.g., from oceanographic vessels and/or in polar regions) to high and exacting international standards in an efficient and productive manner.
• Knowledge of the development and use of state-of-the-art analytical equipment for marine chemistry.
• Experience with major nutrient handling and processing protocols, and analyses.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare sample databases, technical reports and quality control documents, including information suitable for posting to global databases on the Internet.
• Skills in programming (e.g., Matlab, LabVIEW, netCDF, Python).