Research Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellowship)

Geological Survey; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 101,206 - 131,571; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Geological Survey invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Alaska. Appointments are 13 months minimum and may extend up to 4 years under Schedule A, with no permanent status in the Federal service.

The project integrates geochemistry, petrology, and petrography to study the evolution of and controls on mineral resources in southwest Alaska, addressing key questions about resource age, relationships to igneous systems, crustal architecture, and enrichment prediction.

Qualifications

• Must have Ph.D. in a field related to the research description completed no earlier than July 3, 2021; or, if close to completion, have all Ph.D. requirements completed and submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date; or, meet the qualification requirements described in the research opportunity.
• Applicable Ph.D. areas include Geology, Geochemistry, Economic Geology, or related fields. Candidates with a Ph.D. in other disciplines may be considered if they have extensive relevant knowledge and skills.
• Examples of relevant experience may include planning and executing complex geologic studies that involve field mapping, sampling, laboratory analysis, and data integration.

Responsibilities

• The proposed project will use geochemistry, petrology, and petrography to address mineral resources in southwest Alaska.
• Research will be conducted in association with selected USGS scientists and contribute to an integrated understanding of framework geology and mineral resources.

Education

Ph.D. in Geology, Geochemistry, Economic Geology, or related field (completed no earlier than July 3, 2021; or near completion with proof before start date)

OptionA: 4-year geology degree + 20 credits in specified sciences

OptionB: 24 geology credits + 20 additional credits + relevant experience/education to total 4 years

Job description

Position Overview

This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months, with possible extensions up to a total of 4 years without further competition. The appointment will not convey permanent status in the Federal service.

Salary: First-time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at Step01. For a GS‑12 position the salary range is $101,206 (Step01) to $131,571 (Step10).

Research Opportunity

The proposed project will use a combination of geochemistry (including stable or radiogenic isotopes), petrology, and petrography to address the evolution of and controls on mineral resources in southwest Alaska. The study may directly answer fundamental questions such as the age of critical mineral resource formation, the spatial and temporal relationship of those resources to igneous systems, the role of basement terranes, the linkages between crustal architecture, magmatic composition, and critical mineral endowment, the fluids responsible for critical mineral enrichment, and how to better predict critical mineral enrichments as co‑products. The research seeks an integrated understanding of framework geology and mineral resources from the deposit to the regional scale, evaluating the role of regional geologic components in critical mineral formation within ore deposits.

USGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program

The USGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program offers highly motivated recent Ph.D. graduates an opportunity to conduct concentrated research in association with selected USGS scientists. It provides professional research experience early in a scientific career and allows contributing to the overall research efforts of the USGS. Appointments are made under ScheduleA exception authority for a minimum of 13 months and may be extended up to a maximum of 4 years.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have successfully completed a Ph.D. in a field related to the research description no earlier than July3,2021; or, if close to completion, have all Ph.D. requirements completed and submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date; or, meet the qualification requirements described in the research opportunity.
• Applicable Ph.D. areas include Geology, Geochemistry, Economic Geology, or related fields. Candidates with a Ph.D. in other disciplines may be considered if they have extensive relevant knowledge and skills.
• Basic education requirement for Geologist:
  • OptionA: Successful completion of a full 4‑year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree in geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural geology, chemical engineering, civil, mining, or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, or cartography.
  • OptionB: A combination of education and experience equivalent to 24 semester hours in geology plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of the aforementioned courses, plus appropriate experience and/or additional education to total 4 years. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE.
• Examples of relevant experience may include planning and executing complex geologic studies that involve field mapping, sampling, laboratory analysis, and data integration.