Scientific Researcher presso California Institute of Technology

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Job Summary

The Ozturk Lab is seeking an Associate Scientific Researcher to serve as a co-investigator in research on prebiotic (geo) chemistry and the origins of life. The position is part of an interdisciplinary environment that integrates geosciences, chemistry, and physics to investigate fundamental questions about the emergence of life on Earth and beyond.

The Scientific Researcher will lead a project and develop custom-designed tools to study the post-impact conditions of early Earth’s atmosphere and its photochemical evolution, with the goal of understanding the formation of feedstock molecules that could have set the stage for prebiotic chemistry. The Scientific Researcher will also assist with the technical and operational aspects of the lab, provide technical training to lab members, and actively contribute to other ongoing research projects in alignment with the lab’s research program.

Essential Job Duties

• Lead the construction of an experimental system simulating post-impact conditions of early Earth atmospheres.
• Develop custom-designed tools to study the post-impact conditions of early Earth’s atmosphere and its photochemical evolution.
• Ensure proper maintenance and functionality of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Assist with the technical and operations of the lab, provide technical training to lab members, and actively contribute to other ongoing research projects in alignment with the lab’s research program.
• Train graduate students and junior researchers on experimental techniques, data acquisition, and data interpretation.
• Conduct literature reviews and contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts and conference presentations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in experimental Physics, Chemical Engineering, Space Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years of postdoctoral research experience in academic, industrial, or national laboratory settings.
• Familiarity with wet chemistry experiments and anoxic glovebox maintenance.
• Familiarity with IR spectroscopy, optical cavities, and analytical chemistry techniques.
• Familiarity with custom instrumentation design and construction.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental research and a strong track record of scientific communication (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, presentations).

Preferred Qualifications

• Post-bachelor level experimental research on Atmospheric Chemistry / Cosmochemistry / Geochemistry / origins of life.
• Has worked as an engineer or senior scientist or lab manager.
• Experience with laser spectroscopy and NMR.
• Has served as a lab manager or technical staff at a research laboratory.
• Has taught and/or mentored students and junior researchers.

Required Documents

• Resume