Research Assistant OR Research Associate

Northern Arizona University is hiring a Research Assistant or Research Associate to study fossil fuel use in urban environments using isotopes and radiocarbon analysis. The position involves fieldwork, laboratory tasks, data collection, and collaboration with a research team. Responsibilities include designing research protocols, analyzing data, and contributing to community science efforts. The role requires a commitment to inclusivity and will start in Summer 2024. A BA in a related field is required for the assistant role.
About the position

Northern Arizona University is seeking applications for researchers focused on using isotopes/radiocarbon to understand fossil fuel use in urban environments in Arizona. This position will be based in the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (ECOSS) and the School of Environment and Sustainability (SES). The researcher will work on projects that involve measuring and mapping fossil fuel use in urban environments, utilizing radiocarbon analysis in annual plants. The role includes fieldwork for sample collection, laboratory work for preparing and running radiocarbon samples, and contributing to community science sampling efforts. The researcher will collaborate with a diverse team of researchers at NAU and other institutions, providing a unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary urban studies. The expected start date for this position is Summer 2024. For the Research Assistant role, responsibilities include working collaboratively with the research team on data collection, evaluation, and designing analyses to address primary research questions. The assistant will design and implement research protocols, participate in radiocarbon analysis, and engage in scientific discussions. They will also be responsible for collecting, curating, synthesizing, and analyzing research data, as well as displaying data for presentations and manuscript preparation. Additionally, the assistant will perform lab duties to maintain equipment and supplies, work on community science efforts, and promote an inclusive work environment. The Research Associate role involves leading data analysis, modeling, coding, and interpretation, as well as co-authoring research papers and presenting findings at conferences. The associate will also perform lab duties, work on community science efforts, and assist project PIs with managing grant funds. Both positions require a commitment to maintaining a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Responsibilities
• Work collaboratively with research team in research activities including data collection, evaluation, and designing analyses to address primary research questions.
,
• Design and implement research protocols and adapt standard procedures and methods, particularly for radiocarbon analysis.
,
• Participate in radiocarbon analysis in conjunction with staff scientists.
,
• Read scientific literature and participate in scientific discussions with other team members.
,
• Attend mandatory lab and project meetings.
,
• Collect, curate, synthesize, and analyze research data.
,
• Display data for presentation in research conferences and for manuscript preparation using graphics and statistical software.
,
• Work within grant-specific project requirements.
,
• Perform assigned lab duties to assist in the maintenance of equipment, supplies, and reagents.
,
• Work with community science efforts to develop sample collection strategies and write reports.
,
• Promote an inclusive and welcoming work environment for all.
,
• Co-author or author research papers and manuscripts for publication and present them at conferences and workshops.

Requirements
• For Research Assistant: BA in Environmental Science, Carbon Cycle Science, Isotope/Radiocarbon or a related discipline; 2-4 years of research support experience; or equivalent education and experience.
,
• For Research Associate: MA in Environmental Science, Carbon Cycle Science, Isotope/Radiocarbon or a related discipline; 4-6 years of research support experience; or equivalent education and experience.
,
• Familiarity with the principles of carbon cycle science in ecosystems and urban systems.
,
• Expertise with quantitative statistical analyses in R or other programming languages.

Nice-to-haves
• For Research Assistant: MA in Environmental Science, Carbon Cycle Science, Isotope/Radiocarbon or a related discipline.
,
• For Research Associate: MA or PhD in Environmental Science, Carbon Cycle Science, Isotope/Radiocarbon or a related discipline; record of publishing peer-reviewed research in scientific journals.

Benefits
• Generous health, dental, and vision insurance.
,
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System or the Optional Retirement Program.
,
• Paid vacation and 10 holidays per year.
,
• Tuition reduction for employees and qualified dependents.
,
• Long-term disability coverage after 6 months of employment.