Call for applications: Chief Scientific Officer (Oceanography) at the Marine Biogeochemistry Lab at the University of Cape Town

The Marine Biogeochemistry Lab at the University of Cape Town (UCT-MBL) is a world-class oceanic and atmospheric biogeochemistry laboratory established to address large- and small-scale research questions in Earth Science, particularly those that leverage South Africa’s geographic advantage. The laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure, much of it unique on the African continent, that is available to support high-quality, high-visibility, and high-impact research and to train the next generation of South African Earth scientists. The UCT-MBL is part of the Isotope and Atmosphere nodes of the Biogeochemistry Research Infrastructure Platform (BIOGRIP), and this position is partially supported by BIOGRIP.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the denitrifier-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (denitrifier-IRMS) facility in the Marine Biogeochemistry Laboratory. This includes the maintenance and repair of the IRMS instrumentation and the custom-built gas-bench, as well as ensuring a well-maintained facility. They will also be involved in liaising with outside users of the facility and overseeing day-to-day isotope sample preparation and analyses.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. degree in Oceanography, Atmospheric Science, Earth Science, or a related field

• At least 3 years’ experience in isotope ratio mass spectrometry maintenance and operation, including of peripheral instruments that could include gas chromatography or trace gas preparation and preconcentration devices

• Demonstrated ability to independently identify and fix technical issues with trace gas preparation and preconcentration devices as well as isotope ratio mass spectrometers

• Demonstrated experience in measurement calibration, data analysis, and quality control

• Track record of training users to operate complex laboratory equipment including an isotope ratio mass spectrometer

• Good communication and laboratory record-keeping skills

The following skills are advantageous:

• Demonstrated competence with relevant software and software-instrument interfacing

• Experience with procuring scientific equipment and consumables from external suppliers

Responsibilities:

• Operating and maintaining denitrifier-IRMS facility

• Troubleshooting and fixing technical issues on the custom-built gas-bench and IRMS

• Supervising and training users of the denitrifier-IRMS facility

• Technical and administrative duties related to facility operation Ensuring data quality and leading inter-laboratory standardization activities

• Maintaining records of, for example, standard operating procedures, protocols, data quality, maintenance logs, and internal and external users of the facility

• Maintaining and updating Isodat and software for other peripherals

Remuneration:

The annual remuneration package, including benefits, is negotiable between R639 581 and R752 447.

Queries and applications:

Please direct all enquiries to Prof. Sophie von der Heyden (svdh@sun.ac.za).

To apply, please visit the UCT Jobs Site to create a candidate profile and to submit your application. This consists of: Cover letter that includes a motivation for applying for the position, Information on three contactable referees, Curriculum Vitae (CV). Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process. An application which does not comply with these requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Application deadline:
29 January 2025

Download the full position details here.