Post-Doctoral Researcher

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays and generous time off

Professional training and development

Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

HSA contributions

Disability and life insurance

Employee wellbeing program

Employee counseling services

Job summary

The University of Minnesota invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Researcher to join a collaborative effort with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The role focuses on the physical and chemical properties of aquatic colloids and particles, using X-ray spectromicroscopy and related methods. Success hinges on strong publication records and effective collaboration with cross-institutional teams.

supervision will be provided by Dr. Brandy Toner, Dr.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in aquatic, soil, or marine chemistry, low-temperature / environmental geochemistry, or related discipline.
• Experience applying synchrotron approaches to natural materials.
• Demonstrated scientific publication record.
• Strong communication skills across settings and stakeholders.
• Ability to work with collaborators and manage priorities.
• Excellent organization and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research on mineral-organic matter interactions in aquatic systems using X-ray spectromicroscopy (50%).
• Develop in situ cell methods for geoscience applications of X-ray spectromicroscopy (15%).
• Prepare research findings for peer-reviewed publications (15%).
• Build collaborations with SEES users to support SEES and SYSTER programs (15%).
• Communicate with supervisors, mentors, and project collaborators (5%).

Skills

Publication track record

Communication skills

Collaboration with researchers

Project planning

Time management

Problem solving

Organization

Education

Ph.D. in aquatic/soil/marine chemistry or environmental geochemistry

Tools

Synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy

X-ray microscopy

Ptychography

Electron microscopy

Job description

About the Job

Anticipated Start Date: between November 1, 2026 to January 1, 2027

Location of Residence & Workplace: Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA

Duration: Appointment is 1 year full-time.

The Post-Doctoral Researcher will be supervised and mentored by Dr. Brandy Toner (University of Minnesota), Kyounglim Kang (University of Minnesota, Advanced Light Source), and Dr. David Shapiro (Advanced Light Source). The person hired will focus on the physical and chemical properties of aquatic colloids and particles and have the following responsibilities (estimated percentages of time on tasks provided):

• Conduct original research on the interactions of minerals and organic matter in aquatic systems using X-ray spectromicroscopy and complementary approaches (50%);
• Develop in situ cell methods for geoscience applications of X-ray spectromicroscopy instruments (15%);
• Prepare research findings for peer review publication (15%);
• Build new collaborations with SEES users in support of the SEES and SYSTER programs (15%);
• Communicate regularly with supervisors, mentors, and project collaborators (5%)

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in aquatic, soil, or marine chemistry, low-temperature / environmental geochemistry, or related discipline;
• Prior experience applying synchrotron approaches to the study of natural materials;
• Demonstrated scientific publication record;
• Demonstrated effective communication skills in a variety of settings (daily workplace interactions, project planning and outcomes, collaborative interactions, written reports, and presentations);
• Ability to work with and maintain professional relationships with scientific collaborators and co-workers;
• Ability to manage competing priorities and provide quality work on schedule;
• Excellent organization and problem-solving skills

Preferred

• Prior experience with synchrotron X‑ray spectroscopy, microscopy, or ptychography, or advanced electron microscopy techniques;
• Prior experience with synchrotron in situ experimentation;
• Ability to write and maintain software packages.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232 - $70,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.