Research Assistant for National Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Temporary Position

Uppsala Universitet · Full-time

box 256, Uppsala, Sweden

The Department of Earth Sciences is Sweden's most comprehensive academic environment for research and education in earth sciences. Here you will find broad expertise that contributes to solutions for important societal questions. Earth is a dynamic planet that is constantly changing. To understand how our planet works, our researchers seek answers in the field, through laboratory experiments, and advanced modeling. Our research and education cover a wide range of areas; rocks and minerals, weather and climate, the evolution of life, natural disasters, wind power and energy, environmental and water engineering, and sustainable development. Our research combines natural science and engineering with social science and is often interdisciplinary. The department employs over 300 people from more than 30 countries, both in Uppsala and at Campus Gotland. Our six research divisions: • Geophysics • Air, Water and Landscape Science • Mineralogy, Petrology and Tectonics • Natural Resources and Sustainable Development • Paleobiology • Wind Energy For more information see: https://www.uu.se/institution/geovetenskaper Research and education within the Mineralogy, Petrology and Tectonics program at the Department of Earth Sciences are conducted primarily within three integrated fields: mineralogy, petrology and tectonics. The program operates a new Field Emission Electron Probe Microanalyzer (JXA-8530F JEOL HYPERPROBE), equipped with five crystal spectrometers (WDS), secondary (SE) and backscatter electron detectors (BSE). The instrument performs quantitative chemical analyses at the micrometer scale and imaging of minerals or materials down to the nanometer scale. Quantitative elemental analyses are possible in the range from beryllium to uranium. Job Responsibilities The research assistant will be responsible for operation and maintenance of the FE-EPMA and general laboratory management. In addition to routine operation and customer service, responsibilities will also include development and implementation of new micro-analytical methods such as in-situ chemical dating, trace element-based geothermobarometry, and basic analysis of volatile elements (depending on demand). Responsibilities will also include assisting students using the EMPA and training related to the role focus. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in mineralogy and/or petrology. Experience with Field Emission Electron MicroProbe, including instrument calibration procedures and traditional electron microprobe is required. The applicant should also have a background in other electron-based micro-beam techniques such as SEM-EDS-EBSD and related techniques: Raman spectroscopy and practical understanding of mass spectrometry methods (e.g. LA-ICP-MS) applied to rock-forming minerals. Desirable/Meritorious Qualifications Practical experience with JEOL EPMA instruments (and specifically the JXA-8530F Field Emission EPMA) is highly meritorious. Experience in preparing EPMA datasets for thermodynamic modeling and geochronology is also highly meritorious. It is desirable that the candidate has documented strong knowledge in modern mineralogy and petrology. Ability to build and develop professional networks with colleagues and to maintain close contact and collaboration with other institutions and laboratories worldwide is meritorious. Knowledge of Swedish bedrock and experience in training is meritorious. The evaluation of applicants will be made with equal weight on scientific competence, technical skills, and experience with the relevant instrumentation. About the Position The position is fixed-term for 5.5 months. The position is 80%. Start date October 15, 2026, or by agreement. Location: Uppsala. Information about the position is provided by: Prof. Jaroslaw Majka, 018 - 471 2551, [email protected] Welcome to apply by September 22, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2727. Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who with curiosity and commitment make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces. Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The position may be subject to security vetting. A condition of employment is that the applicant is approved in the security vetting. We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance. Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system. Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected]