Postdoc Research Associate

Gemological Institute of America; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Gemological Institute of America (GIA) seeks a researcher to conduct focused investigations in gemology, diamonds, and related minerals, advancing fundamental science and instrument development. Responsibilities include study design, data collection, and collaboration with the lab. Applicants should present publications and be prepared to travel domestically or internationally.

A Ph.D. in a scientific field and proposals for research are preferred.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a scientific field from an accredited college or university (preferably within the last 3 years).
• Relevant research proposal for funded work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct focused research into fundamental scientific problems related to gemology and related minerals.
• Investigate diamond geology, diamond physics, and synthetic diamond growth mechanisms.

Skills

Scientific writing

Travel readiness

English communication

Education

Ph.D. in a scientific field

Research proposal experience

Tools

Spectrometers

X-ray imaging systems

Chemical analysis

Job description

Job Overview

Conduct focused research into fundamental scientific problems related to gemology, involving diamonds, colored stones, pearls, and instrument development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Primarily conduct focused research into fundamental scientific problems related to mineralogy, crystallography, geochemistry and gemology of diamonds; various type of colored gem stones (corundum, beryl, spinel, garnet, quartz); pearls; and possibly related gem-instrument development.
• Diamond research includes fundamental scientific problems in diamond geology, diamond physics and synthetic diamond growth mechanisms, and other scientific problems related to gemology.
• The specific focus of the research will depend on the applicant’s interests, expertise, and the needs of GIA research and the laboratory.
• Presentation and publication of research results in international conference and academic journals, internally and externally
• Performs analysis utilizing spectrometers, chemical analysis, X-ray imaging systems, and other research tools.
• Additional daily activities may involve assisting with data collection and interpretation
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned or required

Technical Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

• Ability to communicate with scientific staff and prepare written scientific articles for publication in English
• Willingness to travel as needed domestically or internationally as needed are strongly desired
• Effective communication in English with scientific and production staff
• The ability to prepare written scientific articles for publication, and a willingness to travel domestically or internationally as needed are strongly desired

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in scientific field from accredited college or university, preferably within the last 3 years
• Relevant proposal for research work

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Work is performed in a designated professional laboratory workstation and environment.
• Extensive use of various laboratory equipment to include computer, spectrometers, chemical analysis, X-ray imaging systems, and other research tools.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Employee may be required, from time to time, to work overtime. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request, to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, as required by law.

GIA provides employees with a safe work environment through the provision of internal safety policies and procedures, safety awareness and training, and appropriate safety equipment as recommended and/or prescribed by governing regulatory agencies. Employee is required to comply with all safety policies, procedures, directives, and/or warnings. An Equal Opportunity Employer All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.

Working at GIA

With a reach that spans the globe — GIA is a nonprofit institute dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry through cutting edge gemological research and rigorous education programs. We have shaped the gem industry, protected millions of consumers and taught generations of jewelers and gemologists all over the world since 1931. Comprising over 3,000 employees in 13 countries, GIA is a place of diversity, innovation, creativity and engagement. Whether you are passionate about science, history, design, education, IT or a corporate career, GIA has a place for you. Join one of the world’s most colorful and brilliant industries with an organization that serves the public good by bringing knowledge and objectivity to gems and jewelry.

What GIA Does

Research that deepens the world’s understanding of gems and jewelry manufacturing and shares these findings with academia, the industry, and the gem-buying public

Education

Education that builds careers and enhances the knowledge and integrity of the gem and jewelry industry

Standard setting

Standard setting that protects those who buy gems by ensuring the qualities of gems and jewelry are objectively and consistently described

Laboratory services

Laboratory services that provide an unbiased and scientific assessment of gem quality

Employee Benefits

GIA offers competitive salaries and exceptional benefits as well as training opportunities to employees all over the globe.

An Equal Opportunity Employer All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Crime Statistics (For U.S. Only)

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act, GIA's current annual crime statistics are available at: Clery Report: Annual Disclosure of Campus Security Policies and Crime Statistics