Academic
Faculty Non Bargaining
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Innovative Mass Spectrometry with CRC-MC-ICP-MS/MS
Research | Prytulak | Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences | Faculty of Science (Julie Prytulak)
August 31, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
December 31, 2029
As per the Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary is $65,000 CAD per annum.
University of British Columbia – Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
Pacific Centre for Isotope and Geochemistry Research
Term: 3 years
Preferred start: January 2027
Salary: $65,000 CAD
Location: UBC Vancouver campus
Supervisor: Prof. Julie Prytulak
Applications are invited for a full-time three-year postdoc in innovative mass spectrometry. The main roles of the postdoc will be to operate, maintain and develop metal isotope measurement techniques using a Sapphire XD CRC-MC-ICP-MS/MS. This instrument will be installed in the Department of Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS), at the Pacific Centre for Isotope and Geochemistry Research (PCIGR) in 2027. It is equipped with a mass filter, collision-reaction-cell, an extended collector array of 28 Faraday channels and increased mass dispersion. The day-to-day operations and maintenance of the instrument constitute 60% of the role. The further 40% of the role will focus on technique development for stable metal isotope applications (e.g., Fe, V, Zn) that exploit the potential order of magnitude reduction in sample mass requirement enabled by the Sapphire XD. The position is part-funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) as part of the funding package for the operation of Sapphire XD.
The unifying theme of this position is excellence in isotope geochemistry and mass spectrometry. The postdoc will join a growing research group focused on applying innovative metal isotope techniques to magmatic, oceanic and environmental studies, alongside an experienced technical team at PCIGR. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of pioneering technological advancements and report directly to Prof. Prytulak. The postdoc will work with Prof. Prytulak, her research group and the wider technical team at PCIGR to publish both technical and conceptual papers. Duties include day-to-day instrument operation and training of other users, collaborating with the manufacturer Nu Instruments, developing MC-ICP-MS/MS techniques, mentoring graduate students, preparing publications and presenting work nationally and internationally. The postdoc will have opportunities 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 oceanographic and environmental studies.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. 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 a 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 postdoc will join a technical team with experience in ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS, TIMS, laser ablation and clean lab chemistry. PCIGR’s leadership comprises EOAS faculty from emerging to established scientists whose research bridges diverse disciplines.
Required Skills and Attributes
- A PhD in Earth Science or a related quantitative field (must be awarded before appointment)
- No more than 5 years of previous postdoctoral experience
- Ability to work in a team and meet deadlines
- Direct clean lab experience, including ion exchange chromatography
- Direct MC-ICP-MS experience, including independent instrument operation
- Capacity to train and guide instrument users
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Commitment to EDI principles and practices
Desired Skills and Attributes
- Experience with mass filter and/or collision cell technology
- Previous work with metal stable isotope systems
- Programming skills and willingness to innovate and streamline data reduction
- Experience with MC-ICP-MS maintenance and diagnostics
- Publication record commensurate with career stage
A description of benefits is available here: https://hr.ubc.ca/working-ubc/faculty-titles-ranks-and-descriptions/postdoctoral-fellows
Application process:
For informal enquiries please contact [email protected]
For formal applications email: [email protected] using the subject: Innovative Mass Spectrometry and provide, as a single PDF:
- current curriculum vitae
- cover letter explaining how you meet the required skills and attributes (max 2 pages)
- proposed research program using metal stable isotopes (max 2 pages)
- up to three recent publications
- names and contact information for 3 references (no letters necessary)
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
