Role Description

Applications are invited for a three-year postdoctoral fellowship in high precision uranium-lead geochronology to join the research team at the Pacific Centre for Isotope and Geochemistry Research (PCIGR). The preferred start date of the position is on or before January 15, 2026, with the possibility to extend the term beyond three years.

The duties of this position are split approximately 50/50 between the individual research program of the postdoctoral researcher, and supporting the high-precision U-Pb geochronological facilities at PCIGR. The postdoctoral researcher will be supervised by the Director of PCIGR and will work closely with Dr. Corey Wall, the facility manager for PCIGR and a U-Pb specialist. Duties include preparing and analyzing samples using chemical abrasion thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-TIMS), preparing mineral mounts, setting up laser ablation (LA-)ICP-MS analyses, and operating a quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The postdoctoral researcher will also develop their own research program, with research support available for analytical work undertaken at PCIGR. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will have opportunities – and are encouraged – to collaborate with the wider UBC and Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Science (EOAS) department, working on applications ranging from igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary processes to environmental studies.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been under-represented or discouraged. We particularly encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

About PCIGR

The Pacific Centre for Isotope and Geochemistry Research (PCIGR) is world-class integrated analytical facility and a UBC Shared Research Platform. Our mission is to enable scientific advancement and societal benefit through the provision of world-leading and accessible research facilities, innovative methodologies and analytical services, and high-quality training for the next generation of scientists.

The facilities comprise 16 state-of-the-art instruments, including two thermal ionization mass spectrometers (TIMS), laser ablation and triple-quadrupole ICP-MS, sample preparation clean laboratories. The facility is supported by a resident research team, and highly specialized laboratory staff. The overall team comprises emerging to established scientists from diverse disciplines. Uranium-lead geochronology has a rich history at UBC and PCIGR. Specific to the advertised role, the facility currently has a dedicated ultra-low blank clean lab for U-Pb separations and a dedicated TIMS equipped with 10^13 resistors to facilitate high-precision dating of exceedingly low U and Pb contents by chemical abrasion (CA-TIMS). We are active members in the EarthTime community and participate in inter-laboratory experiments, as well as attending workshops and conferences.

Application process

For informal enquiries, please contact pcigr@eoas.ubc.ca.

To apply, please email pcigr@eoas.ubc.ca using the subject: PCIGR U-Pb postdoc application and provide:

• Current curriculum vitae
• Cover letter highlighting how you meet the required criteria (max. 2 pages)
• Description of proposed research (max. 2 pages)
• One recent publication
• Names and contact information for 3 references (no letters necessary).

Deadline: October 15th (however, position will remain open until filled)

Role Requirements

• A PhD in Earth Science or a related quantitative field
• Experience working in a clean lab environment
• Experience using thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS)
• Experience in U-Pb data reduction protocol(s) (e.g., Iolite, Tripoli, UPB_Redux)
• Capacity to lead projects with collaborators
• Ability to work in a team and meet deadlines

Desired

• Programming skills and willingness to streamline data reduction
• Experience working with laser ablation (LA) ICP-MS

About The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world. UBC embraces innovation and transforms ideas into action. Since 1915, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity, drive and vision to shape a better world. The Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research is a recognized Shared Research Platform, or core facility, within UBC. As a world-class analytical facility, established in 2002, PCIGR strives to enable scientific advancement and societal benefit through the provision of world-leading and accessible research facilities, innovative methodologies and analytical services, and high-quality training for the next generation of scientists.

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