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Stable Isotope Geochemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... stable isotope IRMS facility. The candidate must have experience or training in laboratory ... The preferred candidate will either have coursework training or experience in geochemistry.

Stable Isotope Geochemistry information

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$16

$28

$48

How much do stable isotope geochemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for stable isotope geochemistry in the United States is $28.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which occupations or careers use the isotope?

Stable isotope geochemists work in fields such as environmental science, geology, archaeology, and climate research, applying isotope analysis to study processes like climate change, resource exploration, and dating of archaeological artifacts. These professionals often work in laboratories, research institutions, or environmental consulting firms, utilizing specialized instruments like mass spectrometers. Skills in geochemistry, laboratory techniques, and data interpretation are essential for careers involving isotope analysis.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in stable isotope geochemistry, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in stable isotope geochemistry often encounter challenges related to sample contamination, instrument calibration, and data interpretation. Ensuring sample purity and preventing cross-contamination during collection and preparation are critical for reliable results. Additionally, maintaining and calibrating mass spectrometers requires both technical skill and attention to detail. Collaborating closely with laboratory technicians, field researchers, and data analysts can help troubleshoot issues and improve overall data quality. Staying current with advances in analytical techniques and fostering a collaborative work environment are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is stable isotope geochemistry?

Stable isotope geochemistry is a field within geoscience that studies the ratios of stable isotopes in minerals, rocks, and fluids to understand Earth's processes and history. Professionals in this field often use mass spectrometry and require a strong background in chemistry and geology to analyze isotopic compositions accurately.

What is the difference between Stable Isotope Geochemistry vs Geochemist?

AspectStable Isotope GeochemistryGeochemist
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Geosciences, specialized in isotope analysisMaster's or PhD in Geosciences, with broader chemistry or mineralogy focus
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field sampling, isotope ratio mass spectrometryLaboratories, fieldwork, environmental assessment, mineral exploration
Industry UsageResearch, environmental studies, climate science, archaeologyMining, environmental consulting, academia, research

Stable Isotope Geochemistry focuses specifically on analyzing isotopic compositions to understand processes, while Geochemists have a broader scope including chemical analysis of rocks, minerals, and environmental samples. Both roles often overlap but differ in specialization and application areas.

What can you do with a geochemistry degree?

A geochemistry degree prepares individuals for roles such as stable isotope geochemist, environmental analyst, or research scientist. Graduates can work in academia, government agencies, or private industry, often utilizing laboratory techniques, data analysis, and fieldwork to study Earth's processes and materials.

What companies hire geophysicists?

Many companies across the energy, environmental, and consulting sectors hire geophysicists, including oil and gas corporations, mining firms, environmental consulting agencies, and government agencies. These roles often require skills in seismic data analysis, geophysical surveying, and specialized software. Job opportunities are available in both private industry and public research institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Stable Isotope Geochemist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Stable Isotope Geochemist, a strong background in geochemistry, analytical chemistry, and earth sciences is essential, often supported by an advanced degree such as a Master's or PhD. Familiarity with mass spectrometry, laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis software is typically required, along with relevant certifications in laboratory safety and analytical procedures. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate scientific results, advancing research, and ensuring the reliability of environmental and geological studies.
Infographic showing various Stable Isotope Geochemistry job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 18% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 69% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,028 per year, or $28.9 per hour.
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position in Geochemistry

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position in Geochemistry

University of Delaware

Newark, DE • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


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Job description

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position in Geochemistry
Job no: 502466
College / VP Area: College of Earth & Ocean Envir
Work type: Faculty
Location: Newark, DE
Categories: Full Time, Earth Sciences
Curious about the full value of working at UD? In addition to salary, our Total Rewards benefits and Compensation Estimator give you a clear view of the complete package.
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position in Geochemistry
Department of Earth Sciences - University of Delaware
The Department of Earth Sciences in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment at the University of Delaware invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track faculty position in Geochemistry at the rank of Assistant Professor, starting in Fall 2026. We seek a motivated scientist who will establish a robust, externally funded research program, teach effectively across the undergraduate and graduate curriculum, mentor graduate students, and contribute to a collaborative and interdisciplinary academic environment. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in stable isotope geochemistry, with applications in areas such as environmental geochemistry, critical minerals, carbon sequestration, and other emerging topics in geochemistry. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences or a closely related field, extensive experience operating mass spectrometers, and the ability to oversee and further develop our existing stable isotope facility.
The Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Delaware houses a state-of-the-art stable isotope laboratory (https://sites.udel.edu/eis-lab/) equipped with advanced instrumentation capable of measuring isotope ratios and concentrations of hydrogen (H), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), sulfur (S), and chlorine (Cl). Measurements can be performed on a wide range of materials, including minerals, water, gases, organic compounds, soils, and biomass. The laboratory features multiple Thermo Scientific Delta V Plus IRMS systems, a GC IsoLink II, Trace 1300 GC, EA IsoLink OH and CNS analyzer, Dionex ICS 2100 ion chromatograph, and an LGR Triple Isotope Water Analyzer. A recent addition to the facility is the Thermo Scientific Exploris 240 Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer for high-resolution isotope analysis. The department also maintains a gamma spectrometry system for measuring natural radioactivity. In addition, the University offers access to the Advanced Materials Characterization Laboratory (https://amcl.udel.edu/), a shared core facility equipped with a Thermo Fisher iCAP TQ ICP-MS with laser ablation and chromatography capabilities, and a suite of X-ray diffraction and fluorescence instruments. Electron, confocal, atomic force and other microscopes are housed in the Keck Center for Advanced Microscopy and the Bioimaging Facility. A full list of core facilities and institutes is available at https://research.udel.edu/core-facilities/.
The successful candidate is expected to integrate the Stable Isotope Laboratory into their research program and leverage its capabilities to support their scientific endeavors. The ideal candidate will build on existing strengths in the Department of Earth Sciences (https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/ceoe/departments/es/) that include geobiology, environmental geochemistry, hydrology, geomorphology, solid Earth geochemistry, and geophysics. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate across the university with faculty in units such as the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, the School of Marine Science and Policy, the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, and the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. Interdisciplinary efforts may include interactions with the Delaware Environmental Institute, the Gerard Mangone Climate Change Science and Policy Hub, and the Delaware Geological Survey.
Recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education as one of America's best universities to work for, the University of Delaware is located in Newark, Delaware, a vibrant college town within two hours of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. State-assisted, privately governed, UD is a Carnegie R1 Doctoral University and a Land Grant, Sea Grant, and Space Grant institution. Compensation packages are competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Faculty at the University have regularly received annual cost-of-living and merit salary increases, and the benefits package is one of the best in the nation.
Applicant Instructions: Applicants should apply online and submit the following materials: a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and statements (maximum of two pages each) addressing:
  1. Current research and future plans and vision;
  2. Teaching and mentoring experience and interests; and
  3. Previous experience operating stable isotope ratio mass spectrometers and related techniques/instrumentation along with a plan to use these instruments in future research.

Applicants should also provide the names and contact information for three to four references. Review of applications will begin on January 2, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to Prof. Clara Chan (cschan@udel.edu). For instrumentation related queries, contact Dr. Chandranath Basak (cbasak@udel.edu).
The University of Delaware is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or status as a protected veteran, as well as any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For the University's complete non-discrimination statement, please visit www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html
Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.
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