Research Scientist

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in leading a focused research program aimed at constraining carbon dynamics within the floodplain and delta of the Yukon River. The primary objective of this program is to investigate how riverbanks in permafrost-affected rivers respond to warming temperatures. This research will integrate multiple perspectives, including geomorphology, geochemistry, and microbiology, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the processes driving these changes.

Essential Job Duties

• Designs and conducts experiment on collected sediments.
• Collaborates with team members to advance the program's goals.
• Publishes research findings in reputable scientific journals and presents at conferences.
• Organizes and conducts experiments to study and investigate scientific problems.
• Designs and modifies experimental techniques and procedures; diagnoses processing deficiencies and researches to develop alternative options.
• Collaborates with other research groups on resolving a variety of technical problems affecting experimental outcome and related research.
• Analyzes and evaluates applicability of collected data; discusses and evaluates findings to interpret research results.
• Assists with initiating, writing and/or submitting award proposals with Principal Investigator.
• Understands and applies working knowledge of Caltech operations, strategies and scientific concepts.
• Takes initiative to improve work processes affecting the project.
• Anticipates problems and proactively works to resolve them.
• Identifies and recommends innovative methodologies to research efforts.
• Provides constructive feedback to help others develop new and improved techniques.
• Conducts literature research; co-authors results and/or presents findings at meetings, scientific organizations or conferences.
• Performs sophisticated data analysis and collaborates with research groups on interpreting results.
• Contributes to writing of scientific results in the form of abstracts, journal articles, publications, presentations, etc.
• References and researches established scientific technical practice standards and/or policies.

Basic Qualification

• Ph.D. in Geochemistry, Geology, or a closely related field.
• Extensive experience conducting fieldwork, particularly in riverine systems.
• Proficiency in characterizing the physical properties of sediments, including grain size analysis and specific surface area measurements.
• Demonstrated ability to reconstruct sediment fluxes and associated nutrient transport, as well as to determine the provenance of organic and inorganic materials.
• Proven track record of research excellence, evidenced by high-quality publications and successful project execution.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and mentoring abilities, with a commitment to fostering a productive and inclusive research environment.
• Thorough technical/scientific expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

• Comprehensive expertise in sediment pretreatment for various physical and chemical analytical applications.

• Strong background in organic chemistry, including the determination of carbon content, stable isotopes, and radiogenic carbon isotopes. Experience with advanced techniques such as ramped pyrolysis/oxidation and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) is highly desirable.

Required Documents

• Resume.