Assistant Project Scientist

The Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, seeks applicants for an Assistant Project Scientist to be the Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory Manager.

The candidate must hold a PhD in geochemistry at the time of hiring. The candidate must have detailed knowledge of non-traditional stable isotope systems. The candidate must have demonstrated skills and experience in conducting research using clean lab facilities, and collision-cell MC-ICPMS. Candidates demonstrating research experience in lunar petrology and geochemistry will be preferred. Experiences in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, outreach with groups under-represented in STEM, and course instruction and development will also be preferred.

Clean Lab and CC-MC-ICP-MS Laboratory Supervision (60%): Candidate will be responsible for maintaining the clean lab facility of the department and the Nu Sapphire CC-MC-ICPMS with assistance from the PI (P. Ni). Duties may include but are not limited to:

1. Maintain filtration system for high-purity water.
2. Order supplies, including acids, exchange resins, gloves, lab coats, pipettes, Teflon bottles, ion exchange resins.
3. Distill acids and maintain acid still.
4. Update and maintain laboratory safety documentation.
5. Training and supervision of users of the lab.
6. Supervise cleaning of facility on regular basis.

Independent Research and Research Support (40%): Under the supervision of the PI, the candidate will have the opportunity to conduct independent research projects in lunar petrology and geochemistry and will assist faculty and students in using existing laboratory analytical methods. The candidate will also support the development of new analytical techniques in consultation with the PI (P. Ni).

Candidates must provide a (a) curriculum vitae, (b) cover letter, (c) statement of research interests (max 2 pages), (d) UCLA Mission Statement, and (e) three to five references, including names and contact information.

Applications will be accepted via the UC Recruit website at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10900 beginning March 16, 2026. The deadline to submit your application is April 15, 2026.
Inquiries may be directed to Peng Ni (pengni@epss.ucla.edu).

A PhD in geochemistry at the time of hiring is required.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM – 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment