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University of Cambridge
Department of Earth Sciences

Research Analyst - permanent post

To operate, instruct in the use of, maintain, and develop the electron 
probe microanalysis (EPMA) facility.

We are looking for a dynamic and enterprising person with a sound 
knowledge of electron microscopy and analysis along with a background in 
geological or materials science. The successful applicant will also be 
responsible for maintaining quality control of analytical output and 
will advise on interpreting results.

Knowledge of the Cameca SX100 or SX50 instruments would be a distinct 
advantage.

Salary £25,134 - £32,796.

Please send CV and e-mails of 2 referees to the Administrator, 
[log in to unmask] by Friday 12 October, 2007.
Department of Earth Sciences, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EQ.


DETAILS:

The successful applicant will be responsible for operation of the Cameca 
SX100 electron microprobe (with EDS and associated equipment.). This is 
a major analytical research facility with users from all areas of the 
department, elsewhere in the university, and externally. Duties will 
include:
• Responsibility for the day-to-day operation, calibration & routine 
maintenance of electron microprobe and associated equipment. Managing 
all aspects of the laboratory including user schedules.
• Advising users on suitable analytical strategies to solve specific 
problems.
• Providing assistance, training & supervision of researchers, students 
and visiting academics from diverse backgrounds in the successful use of 
the facilities.
• Monitoring and maintaining quality control of analytical output and 
assist in the interpretation of analyses in a geologically meaningful 
way. Ensuring that analytical results and methods are archived.
• Designing, developing and testing analytical strategies.
• Playing a major role in marketing and promoting the microprobe both 
within and outside the University to help generate running costs from 
usage of the equipment.

Although our instrument is under service contract with Cameca, the 
candidate should have the ability to carry-out initial trouble-shooting 
of both instrumental and analytical problems able to make small repairs 
to the instrumentation.

The post affords the opportunity to become familiar with modern 
state-of-the-art equipment. The primary focus of the position is 
successful operation of the facility however collaborative or 
independent research is encouraged.


Minimum requirements:
Either:
Extensive experience of operating an electron microprobe or comparable 
instrument
Or:
An MSc or PhD in geosciences or related fields and a knowledge of 
instrumental geochemistry, mineral chemistry and optical mineralogy and 
the ability to interpret analyses in a geologically meaningful way.

The lab manager will often be working with students and others who may 
be unfamiliar with microprobes, so good communications skills are required.

Reasonable knowledge of PC systems to setup/install, upgrade and 
maintain specialist software. Mechanical aptitude



Highly desirable:
Extensive experience of operating and maintaining a Cameca SX-100 or SX-50.

Preference will be given to candidates with extensive experience of 
wavelength dispersive x-ray spectrometry and a good understanding of 
both the theory and application of electron probe microanalysis & 
electron microscopy. Understanding of the interactions of x-rays with 
matter as applied to spectroscopic techniques and of the operation of 
vacuum systems, radiation detectors etc. used to operate and collect 
data from this type of instrument.

Skills will ideally include a sound understanding of the generation, 
measurement, and counting statistics of x-rays, as well as statistical 
data analysis.

The ideal applicant will have a knowledge of data processing, statistics 
and quality control applied to x-ray detection and measurement and 
experience with laboratory management.



-- 
[log in to unmask]
DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SCIENCES
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE         Tel +44 1223 333469
DOWNING STREET                                 +44 1223 333400
CAMBRIDGE                                    FAX +44 1223 333450
CB2 3EQ

Manager of XRD discussion list:
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/xrd.html

VirtualWDS: For the synthesis of wavelength-dispersive electron probe 
spectra.
http://www.esc.cam.ac.uk/astaff/buckley/VirtualWDS.html