How to Apply
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- Operation and management of an ESI NWR193 laser\-ablation system coupled with Agilent 7900 quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer used for U\-Pb dating (e.g., zircon, monazite, apatite, titanite, rutile) as well as trace\-element analysis and compositional imaging.
- Operation and management of an ESI NWR193 (or similar) laser\-ablation system (to be installed, Fall \`26\) coupled with an Element2 sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, focusing on the U\-Pb dating of accessory minerals and carbonates.
- Operation and management of an ASI Alphachron Helium mass spectrometer used for U/Th\-He thermochronology (e.g., zircon, monazite, titanite, apatite) and He diffusion experiments.
- Management of department mineral\-separation and rock\-preparation facilities (rock saws, jaw crusher, shatterbox, disc mill, sieve shaker, water table, Frantz magnetic separator, and "heavy liquids").
- Conduct operation and maintenance of the instruments
- Scheduling, training, and assistance of users (internal and external)
- Design laboratory protocols and experiments to achieve the measurement goals of the lab
- Writing methodologies as appropriate for publications.
- Manage the budgeting of laboratory expenses, billing, and purchasing from month\-to\-year as necessary to keep the labs operational and performing at a high level.
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- Master's Degree required. A degree in Earth Science is preferred although other natural science or engineering degrees will be considered if the candidate has the requisite professional experience and meets the desired qualifications (below).
- A minimum of 5 to 6 years of experience (including relevant graduate research) with high\-level, independent operation, calibration, and routine maintenance of mass spectrometers for isotopic analysis.
- Supervisory and management experience is required.
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- radio\-isotope chronology and their accompanying laboratory methods
- laser\-ablation sampling/extraction lines
- standard mineral separation facilities
- mechanical and electrical repair
- vacuum pumps and vacuum systems
- Ph.D. preferred
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- Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
- A retirement plan that provides two\-for\-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long\-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Strong commitment to work/life balance
- Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs
- Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses
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Please submit a cover letter, resume, and 2\-3 references with e\-mail address and phone. In your cover letter, please explain your lab and research experience, and your interest in the position. If you are a new graduate, please also submit your academic transcripts.
For questions, please contact Robert Holder at \[email protected], Nathan Niemi at \[email protected], or Eliel Anttila at \[email protected].
Who We Are
EARTH is a diverse and vibrant intellectual community dedicated to excellence through research and teaching. The department is home to approximately 40 faculty and 25 regular administrative and lab staff, 160 undergraduate majors and 70 graduate students. The mission of the department is to promote education and scientific discovery about our planet. We welcome all who are curious about the EARTH and we strive to create an environment that is accessible and supportive to everyone. Find more about the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences here.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Additional Information
As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Job Summary
We, Drs. Robert Holder, Nathan Niemi, and Eliel Anttila, are seeking applicants for the position of Geochronology and Thermochronology Laboratory Manager in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. The candidate will manage and operate laser\-ablation U/Th\-Pb and U/Th\-He laboratories and accompanying mineral separation facilities. The Geochronology and Thermochronology Laboratory Manager is expected to independently carry out research and management responsibilities, including financial management within the lab.
Start date
This position has a preferred start date between June and August of 2026, but a later start date in the 2026 calendar year is possible.
Responsibilities\*
Research Responsibilities (50%)
Laboratory Management Responsibilities (30%)
Other Management Duties (20%)
Required Qualifications\*
Desired Qualifications\*
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in:
+ In particular: U\-Pb and U/Th\-He chronology (such as zircon, monazite, apatite, titanite, or rutile)
+ But also: Re\-Os, K\-Ar, Lu\-Hf, Sm\-Nd, U\-series
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
In addition, LSA offers:
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care \- that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world\-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
The salary range for this position is $62,000 to $77,000\. A higher salary may be possible for an exceptionally well\-qualified candidate
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U\-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
### Job Opening ID
276134
### Working Title
Geochronology \& Thermochronology Laboratory Manager
### Job Title
Research Lab Specialist Senior
Ann Arbor, MI
### Full/Part Time
Full\-Time
### Regular/Temporary
Regular
### FLSA Status
Exempt
### Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
### Posting Begin/End Date
4/10/2026 \- 4/17/2026
### Salary
$62,000\.00 \- $77,000\.00