Postdoc: Geology & Geochemistry for Critical Minerals

Battelle Energy Alliance; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Relocation package

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in geology or geochemistry to study REE, Th, and U mineralization. You will apply LA-ICP-MS and other microanalytical methods to map critical metals in complex mineral assemblages, with fieldwork from Idaho Falls on a 9x80 schedule.

You will collaborate with INL geoscientists and university partners to plan sampling, interpret data, and develop deportment models that guide beneficiation of tailings and feedstocks.

Qualifications

• PhD in Geology or Geochemistry; degree completed by appointment commencement or within the previous 5 years.
• Experience in economic geology, mineralogy, and/or igneous petrology.
• Hands-on LA-ICP-MS experience including sample prep, operation and tuning, calibration with reference materials, and data reduction (Iolite, LADR or Glitter).
• Experience characterizing REE-bearing mineral assemblages via petrography (transmitted and reflected light), SEM/EDS, and bulk geochemistry.
• Experience planning or conducting geological/geochemical field studies, sample collection, or drill core logging for research or applications.
• Ability to analyze and interpret geological/geochemical data using software and synthesize information into general conclusions.
• Demonstrated oral and published written English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct geological/geochemical field studies and sample collection, including surface sampling and drill core material.
• Collect, organize, and interpret data; develop deposit-wide elemental deportment models to guide beneficiation design.
• Perform X-ray diffraction, petrography, electron probe microanalysis, LA-ICP-MS spot analysis and mapping; integrate results into models.
• Prepare manuscripts for journal publication and present results at conferences and meetings.
• Support invention disclosures and follow-on proposals; represent the department in sponsor-facing events.

Skills

Geology

Geochemistry

Petrology

LA-ICP-MS

Field studies

Data analysis

Scientific writing

English communication

Education

PhD in Geology or Geochemistry

Tools

LA-ICP-MS

Iolite

LADR

Glitter

SEM/EDS

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in geology or geochemistry to study REE, Th, and U mineralization. You will apply LA-ICP-MS and other microanalytical methods to map critical metals in complex mineral assemblages, with fieldwork from Idaho Falls on a 9x80 schedule.

You will collaborate with INL geoscientists and university partners to plan sampling, interpret data, and develop deportment models that guide beneficiation of tailings and feedstocks.