Technical Director, Center for Aqueous Biogeochemcial Research

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [email protected].

Department

Clark Science Center Administration

Job Description

Technical Director, Center for Aqueous Biogeochemical Research

Clark Science Center seeks candidates with a PhD in Analytic Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Analytic Geochemistry or a related field who have 1 to 5 years’ experience working with aqueous biogeochemical research instrumentation and methods. The Technical Director of the Center for Aqueous Biogeochemical Research [CABR] trains research staff, students and faculty users on the hands-on operation of instrumentation and associated laboratory apparatus, and provides supervision as needed during the training period. Provides technical instruction to students in the design and execution of course projects including the selection of techniques, materials and tools, and the safe and appropriate operation of equipment. Serves as a campus-wide consultant to faculty, staff and students for advice on projects not related to standard courses, including Honors projects, Special Studies, SURF projects and faculty research. Collaborates on experimental design and the selection of materials, techniques and tools. Consults on data interpretation and analysis as required. Provides daily management of the CABR and ensures it remains relevant to research and curricula through equipment acquisition, methods development and operating improvement. Current equipment includes Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatograph with 5975C MSD, Agilent 7697A Headspace Sampler for GCMS, Agilent 7900 ICPMS with AS4 Autosampler, Thermo ICS-6000 Dual Column Ion Chromatograph with Conductivity Detection, Shimadzu TOC-L Total Carbon Analyzer, organic and inorganic in liquids, ManTech AutoTitrator and Picarro L2130i Water Isotope Analyzer.

Job Summary

Direct technical operations of the Center for Aqueous Biogeochemical Research including teaching, training, outreach, experimental design, budget and staff management, routine maintenance and service of instrumentation, and technical consultation and support.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Scientific Instrumentation Training, Operation and Maintenance (45%):

• Train research staff, student and faculty users on the hands-on operation of CABR instrumentation and associated laboratory apparatus, and provide supervision as needed during the training period.
• This training, intended for both faculty and students, will offer hands-on instruction in the use of the instrumentation and related experimental procedures.
• This training will serve as a foundation for the ongoing curricular support and consulting provided to faculty and students.
• Operate and monitor instrument performance in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Maintain logs of failures, consumable usage, maintenance, and parts replacement.
• Manage regular preventative maintenance and routine repairs of CABR instruments.
• Interface with instrument manufacturers to schedule maintenance and repairs falling under the guidance of service contracts and/or instrument warranties.

Curricular Support and Consulting (20%):

• Provide technical instruction to students in STEM and other academic disciplines in the design and execution of course projects including the selection of techniques, materials and tools, and the safe and appropriate operation of equipment.
• Serve as a campus-wide consultant to faculty, staff and students for advice on projects not related to standard courses, including Honors projects, Special Studies, SURF projects and faculty research.
• Collaborate on experimental design and the selection of materials, techniques and tools.
• Consult on data interpretation and analysis as required.

Center Operations (35%):

• Provide daily management and strategic planning for the Center for Aqueous Biogeochemical Research (CABR).
• Develop and maintain relationships with faculty constituents to ensure the CABR remains relevant to research and curricula and can produce high quality results for analyses of aqueous and biogeochemical samples. Oversee the long-term direction, acquisition of equipment and appropriate training to keep the CABR current with progressing technologies.
• Schedule CABR workflow in coordination with course schedules and research projects.
• Manage the CABR staff and budget.
• Develop and enforce environmental health and safety guidelines within the CABR as they relate to staff, student and faculty users.
• Track and report on equipment usage.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

MINIMUM REQUIRED Qualifications:

• Graduate Degree - Field: Analytic Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry or Analytic Geochemistry or related field (Ph.D.)
• 5 or more years experience - Area: Aqueous biogeochemical research instrumentation and methods development

Knowledge of:

• Broad expertise in elemental analysis and analytical techniques including Mass Spectrometry.

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills for diverse audiences, capable of multitasking, prioritizing concerns and solving conflicts.
• Good time management, organizational and administrative skills.
• Willingness to expand knowledge into other academic fields.

Compensation

In addition to a competitive benefits package, annualized pay for this role is typically between $82,420.51 - $111,510.10 covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications and work schedule if less than full-time.

Position Type

Regular

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

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Review of applications will begin

May 15, 2026

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [email protected].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.