Geophysics Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description
Job Title Critical Mineral Resources Extraction Postdoctoral Researcher
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name EES-17/National Security Earth Science
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do
Join one of the world's premier multidisciplinary research institutions and contribute to developing next-generation technologies for critical mineral recovery.
The National Security Earth Science Group (EES-17) within the Earth and Environmental Sciences Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to advance innovative technologies for the extraction and separation of critical elements.
Our team has developed a novel hydrothermal separation process that exploits favorable thermodynamic conditions to selectively separate rare earth elements and other critical materials/minerals at elevated temperatures. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team working to optimize this separation technology through integrated hydrothermal processing, thermodynamic modeling, structural characterization, and electrochemical recovery of high-purity critical mineral products.
Research activities will include:

• Development and optimization of hydrothermal separation processes for critical minerals.
• Thermodynamic modeling and experimental validation of mineral-fluid interactions.
• Hydrothermal synthesis and reaction pathway optimization.
• Advanced structural and spectroscopic characterization using LANL's and other DOE user facilities.
• Integration of electrochemical deposition methods to recover high-purity critical mineral products.
• Collaboration on process scale-up and evaluation of industrial implementation strategies.

You will have the opportunity to work with researchers across chemistry, geoscience, materials science, and computational modeling while leveraging state-of-the-art laboratory and national user facilities. You will be expected to publish research in leading peer-reviewed journals, present results at national and international conferences, and contribute to the development of new research directions.
The National Security Earth Science Group (EES-17) is a multidisciplinary research group that develops innovative geophysical methods, advanced numerical models, and data-driven approaches to investigate Earth processes and improve our understanding of the physical mechanisms that govern them. Our research addresses complex Earth science challenges in support of national security. Our scientists integrate field observations, laboratory experiments, remote sensing, open access data, and computational modeling to study Earth processes across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales while collaborating across the Laboratory on emerging scientific and national security priorities.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Candidates with experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Conducting hands-on laboratory experiments involving chemical synthesis, mineral processing, and/or materials characterization.
• Acquiring thermodynamic data using calorimetry or related techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research while contributing effectively to collaborative, multidisciplinary projects.
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Desired Qualifications:
Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Critical mineral extraction and separation
• Thermodynamic modeling of aqueous or hydrothermal systems
• Material/mineral synthesis using hydrothermal and other methods
• Advanced material characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Raman spectroscopy, SEM and TEM,
• Experience in conducting experiments at DOE user facilities especially with synchrotron-based methods including X-ray total scattering / pair distribution function (PDF) analysis and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure, XANES and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure, EXAFS).
• Molecular dynamics or atomistic simulations
• Electrochemical materials synthesis or electrodeposition
• Techno-economic analysis (TEA) or process systems modeling
• Ability to obtain Q clearance

Education/Experience
A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Geochemistry, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Geological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline.
For postdoctoral appointments, candidates must have completed all Ph.D. requirements within the last five years or by the start date of the appointment.
Note to Applicants:
To apply, please submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A one-page cover letter

The cover letter should include:
A brief professional biography (2-3 sentences)

• Current research interests
• Future career goals
• A description of how your experience addresses each of the minimum qualifications and any desired qualifications that apply.

Work Schedule: Onsite
Work Environment: http://int.lanl.gov/employees/staffing-guidance/hr-process-guide/hiring-process/posting-a-job/requirements.shtml .
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.
Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Postdoc
Postdoc
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