Research Associate

Research Associate

The Company: Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world's foremost authority in gemology. GIA is a global organization with headquarters located in Carlsbad, CA and boasts a 17-acre ocean view campus that accommodates approximately 800 of its 3,500 total employees worldwide. It offers many competitive health and commuter benefits that promote the well-being of its employees, as well as that of the environment.

Job Overview:

This role is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and optimization of Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) instrumentation in a production laboratory environment. The position will contribute to both production support and research initiatives focused on gemstone identification, treatment detection, geographic origin determination, and analytical method development. This role partners closely with GIA's global research team and provides critical technical expertise in analytical chemistry and spectroscopy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot LA-ICP-MS instrumentation to ensure consistent, high-quality performance in a production laboratory setting
• Support day-to-day laboratory operations, including sample preparation, data acquisition, and quality control processes
• Contribute to research projects involving natural, treated, and synthetic gemstones, including:
• Gemstone identification and characterization
• Treatment detection methodologies
• Geographic origin determination
• Development and validation of analytical chemistry methods
• Perform data collection, interpretation, and analysis using advanced analytical techniques
• Collaborate with cross-functional research teams to design experiments and evaluate findings
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to publications (e.g., Gems & Gemology) and present findings to internal teams and the broader gemological community
• Maintain accurate data records, databases, and documentation in alignment with laboratory standards
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and proper handling of laboratory equipment and materials
• Travel domestically and internationally, as needed, to support research initiatives and collaboration

Skills & Abilities:

• Hands-on experience with LA-ICP-MS required; experience with other microanalytical or mass spectrometry techniques strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, and instrumentation principles
• Working knowledge of geochemistry, mineralogy, crystallography, and/or gemology
• Proficiency in data analysis, interpretation, and scientific reporting
• Experience with laboratory data systems and database management
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical literature
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex findings clearly
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research-driven environment

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree (MSc) or equivalent in Chemistry, Geochemistry, Materials Science, Earth Sciences, Physics, or a related field
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with LA-ICP-MS or comparable analytical instrumentation required
• Prior experience in a laboratory or research environment strongly preferred
• GG and/or FGA credentials preferred or willingness to obtain

Work Environment:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Pay range: $34-44/hour

An Equal Opportunity Employer All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.