Geology/Geochemistry Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in geology, geochemistry, or comparable discipline for the Department of Critical Minerals & Geothermal Energy in the Energy and Environment Science and Technology (EES&T) directorate. 

This postdoctoral researcher will focus on the mineralogy, geochemistry, and petrogenesis of rare earth element (REE) and thorium (Th) and uranium (U) mineralization in both mineral deposits and tailings. They will use laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and other microanalytical techniques to determine where critical metals reside in complex, multi-mineral assemblages. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of the Minerals, Materials, and Metallurgy (M³) Laboratory in Idaho Falls with every other Friday off.

The postdoctoral researcher will report to Dr. Paul Slezak. They will work closely with university collaborators and with INL geoscientists, metallurgists and chemists. The researcher will plan and conduct geological and geochemical field studies and sample collection, including both surface sampling and drill core from active exploration and mining programs. Sample suites will span distinct deposit styles and alteration types as well as tailings material.

The researcher will be responsible for the collection, compilation, organization, and interpretation of data and proposals for obtaining new data. This includes characterizing samples by X-ray diffraction, petrography, electron probe microanalysis, LA-ICP-MS spot analysis and elemental mapping, and whole-rock geochemistry. The researcher will integrate these data into deposit-wide elemental deportment models that identify mineral species. These models will directly guide the design of beneficiation circuits for complex feedstocks, including tailings material. Through this work, the researcher will help establish INL's geoscience and geometallurgy capabilities in critical minerals.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings. The candidate will also contribute to invention disclosures, help develop follow-on proposals, and support representation of the Department through programmatic and technical presentations to sponsors and peers at conferences and symposia.
 

Required:

• PhD in Geology or Geochemistry.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years. 
• Research experience in economic geology, mineralogy, and/or igneous petrology.
• Hands-on experience with LA-ICP-MS, including sample preparation, instrument operation and tuning, calibration with reference materials, and data reduction (e.g., Iolite, LADR, or Glitter); experience with elemental mapping is preferred.
• Experience characterizing REE-bearing or other critical mineral assemblages using petrography (transmitted and reflected light), SEM/EDS, and bulk rock geochemical methods.
• Experience planning or conducting geological or geochemical field studies, sample collection, or drill core logging used to collect data for research or application.
• Ability to analyze and interpret geological and geochemical data using computer software, and to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.

• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English
   

   

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Research experience with carbonatite, alkaline igneous, or other REE-Th deposits a plus.
• Experience constructing elemental or mineral deportment models, or using automated mineralogy (e.g., QEMSCAN, MLA, TIMA).
• Experience with electron probe microanalysis and element mapping.
• Familiarity with geometallurgy or mineral processing, and with how mineral texture, grain size, and liberation affect beneficiation.
• Proficiency in geochemical data analysis and visualization (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB or commercial programs like IoGAS), including statistical or machine learning approaches to mineral classification.
• Experience working with naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) or in radiological laboratory settings.
• Experience mentoring students or interns
   

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. Field work includes working in remote locations within radioactive boundary areas (RBA), and overnight travel for extended field work. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.