VOLCANIC TEPHRA SAMPLE ANALYSIS

The US Geological Survey (USGS) Alaska Science Center (ASC) is seeking a contractor to perform volcanic tephra sample analysis. The contractor will be required to separate zircon from seven bulk tephra samples, conduct U-Pb geochronologic screening using laser-ablation inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and perform high-accuracy, high-precision U-Pb geochronology using chemical-abrasion isotope-dilution thermal-ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS). The contractor must have a PhD in geology, geochemistry, or a similar field, with demonstrated expertise in analysis of U and Pb isotopes by CA-ID-TIMS and U-Pb geochronology of zircon. The period of performance is estimated to be 14 months, beginning in July 2026. Key points to consider: • The contractor must have experience in U-Pb geochronology and zircon analysis. • The contractor must be able to perform high-accuracy, high-precision U-Pb geochronology using CA-ID-TIMS. • The contractor must have a PhD in geology, geochemistry, or a similar field. • The period of performance is estimated to be 14 months. • The contractor must be able to provide technical reports with measured U-Pb isotope ratios and analytical uncertainties.