Research Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellowship).

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework options

Job summary

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship focused on characterizing mineral resources and developing mineral system criteria in Southwest Alaska.

The project will explore regional geology, crustal architecture, and the interactions of magmas and fluids in mineral enrichment, collaborating with Earth MRI teams. Successful candidates will conduct geologic, geochemical, and petrographic analyses, coordinate datasets with field work, and contribute

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required or near completion with proof of completion by start date.
• Experience in mineral systems, geochemistry, petrology, or related fields preferred.

Responsibilities

• Characterize mineral resources and develop mineral system criteria.
• Coordinate with USGS scientists and Earth MRI teams in Alaska.
• Develop datasets on basement domains, crustal architecture, and terrane evolution.
• Contribute to broader geologic mapping and mineral resources research.

Education

Ph.D. in Geology or related field

Job description

Duties

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Opportunity

Characterizing mineral resources, development of mineral system mappable criteria, and regional framework geology of mineral deposit in Southwest Alaska.

Introduction

The Kuskokwim mountains region of southwest Alaska hosts one of the world's largest gold deposits (Donlin Creek), past producers (e.g. Nixon Fork) and numerous current exploration projects (e.g. Flat, Illinois Creek-Waterpump Creek, Donlin, etc.). These deposits are focused on critical minerals as principal commodities or contain known critical minerals as by- and co-products. Deposits are hosted in varied geologic terranes, which include predominantly the Farewell, Angayuchum, and Ruby terranes, and vary in age from potentially middle Cretaceous to the Paleocene. Deposits have a spatial, if not genetic, association with plutons of varying characteristics, which cluster from ca. 72-60 Ma. What remains uncertain is the role basement and/or regional framework geology such as the timing of deformation and faulting, play in contributing to the development of the region's mineral resources.

Background

Critical mineral enrichments occur in association with a wide variety of mineral systems and tectonic environments. Recent work has shown that precursor (i.e., Paleozoic) tectonic and magmatic events and crustal structure influenced the enrichment of critical minerals as by-products in Mesozoic mineral systems in Alaska (e.g., Kreiner et al., 2019). Many different styles of mineral systems are known or suspected to occur throughout the state, resulting from the diversity of geologic terranes and tectonic environments in which they originally formed, tectonic processes during accretion, and syn- and post-accretionary processes.

Much of southwestern Alaska is composed of magmatic arcs, accretionary complexes, and continental fragments. Boundaries between these features are obscured by overlap successions of Cretaceous basin stratigraphy. The heritage and deep crustal architecture of most terranes are difficult to ascertain due to incomplete exposure and a lack of systematic investigation using modern analytical techniques. Mineral systems formed throughout the geologic evolution of the region with various critical metal enrichments. Mineral systems can be divided into pre-, syn-, and post-Cretaceous origins. The pre-Cretaceous mineral systems formed as a result of tectonic processes that occurred during the formation of the continental fragments. Syn-Cretaceous mineral systems span accretionary-derived tectonic settings and pulses of magmatic arc activity. Post-Cretaceous systems formed following the accretion of the continental fragments and a result of magmatic arcs and young Cenozoic faulting. The tectonic setting and origin of many mineral occurrences in the region remains enigmatic - including the giant Donlin gold deposit which contains large resources of Sb and As in addition to Au.

The information generated in this fellowship will have broad appeal to geologists interested in mapping mineral systems in covered terrane; understanding the role the interaction of magmas, crust, and fluid reservoirs may play in critical mineral enrichment; and generate a unique understanding of mapping mineral systems in one of the nation's most diverse and endowed regions. The findings will also be of great interest to the public to include various stakeholders in Alaska such as land managers and the minerals industry who rely on the USGS for informed, data-driven mineral resources research and assessments.

The USGS Earth Mapping Resource Initiative (Earth MRI), a high-profile, national mapping, data collection, synthesis and interpretation program, is focused on the Nation's need for critical mineral independence and security. This initiative has multiple new geophysical surveys in Alaska in three priority areas-the Yukon-Tanana upland, the Kuskokwim Mountains region, the Seward Peninsula, and new geologic mapping and geochemical sampling in the Yukon-Tanana upland. Additional geochemical, and geologic mapping in these regions is ongoing. The successful candidate will coordinate and integrate with this work and develop necessary datasets for better understanding the distribution of geologic basement domains, crustal architecture, and terrane evolution. The Fellow will benefit from collaborations with research staff involved in Earth MRI in Alaska and other ASC geologists to better understand the bedrock geology of the region, as well as collaboration and mentorship from state and academic partners researching the mineral systems hosting critical mineral resources. Suitable samples can be collected from a combination of active field work and research in southwest Alaska and augmented with archived materials curated by USGS. Limited new fieldwork, conducted in conjunction with active research in the region, may target specific areas for focused work.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Physical Demands: Field work is performed in rugged, remote terrains with severe wind and cold. Lifting and carrying heavy equipment various distances over rugged terrain is required. Transportation to field sites may include helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, or watercraft. Field work is conducted in areas with wild animals, such as black or brown bears, and firearms are typically carried for self-defense.

Key Requirements

• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
• Selectee may be subject to serving a trial period.
• Selectee subject to successfully passing a pre-employment medical exam.
• Selectee must provide proof of valid driver's license, safe driving record.
• More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.

Are There Any Special Requirements for This Position?

• Taking and passing a pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is required due to the physical demands of this job.
• You will be required to operate a government-owned or -leased vehicle in the performance of your official duties. Applicants for this position must meet the following requirements: (1) possess a valid State license, and (2) possess a safe driving record. If selected, you may be required to provide proof of a valid State license and a copy of your driving record.
• Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued.
• A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update your system.

Qualifications

Description of the Research Opportunity

The Proposed Project Would Use Some Combination Of Geochemical (including Stable Or Radiogenic Isotopes), Petrology, And Petrography To Address The Evolution Of And Controls On Mineral Resources. The Proposed Research May Directly Address One Or More Fundamental Questions That Include, But Are Not Limited To

• What is the age of critical mineral resource formation in southwest Alaska? How are the mineral resources related in time or space to igneous systems, and how are they distributed on the landscape?
• What, if any, role does the basement terrane play in critical mineral resource potential in a deposit?
• What are potential linkages between crustal architecture, magmatic composition, and critical mineral endowment of mineral systems in southwest Alaska?
• What potential fluids are responsible for critical mineral enrichment in mineral deposits?
• How can we better predict critical mineral enrichments as co- and by-products?

These questions require a better and more integrated understanding of the framework geology and mineral resources. The ideal proposal would investigate a combination of topical and framework processes to evaluate the role of regional geologic components to critical mineral formation in ore deposits. Understanding features from the deposit to regional scale are critical in the ability to integrate ore deposit genesis to mineral system mappable criteria.

The USGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program provides highly motivated recent Ph.D. graduates with the opportunity to conduct concentrated research in association with selected USGS Scientists, as a final element to their formal career preparation. Selectees will utilize the excellent scientific resources available at the USGS in the conduct of scientific investigations and exploratory development associated with advanced scientific research. This program will provide selectees the opportunity to contribute to the overall research efforts of the USGS and in turn they will gain excellent professional research experience early in their careers.

Appointments under the USGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program will be made under the Schedule A, 213.3102 (r) excepted appointing authority for a minimum period of 13 months and may be extended up to a maximum period of 4 years.

In order to be considered for these opportunities, candidates must

• have successfully completed a Ph.D. in a field related to the Research Description no earlier than 7/03/2021; OR
• if close to completion, have all Ph.D. requirements completed and must submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date;
• meet the qualification requirements described in the Research Opportunity. The research proposal submitted must demonstrate that the applicant is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties for the specific Research Opportunity.

Areas of PhD

Geology, Geochemistry, Economic Geology or related fields. Candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines, but with extensive knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered.

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Geologist, all grade levels.

• 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. In addition to the geology course work included in the degree, it must also have included or been supplemented by 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography; OR
• A combination of education and experience-course work as shown in "A" above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in geology plus 20 additional semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of courses as specified in "A" above), plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years. The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to that acquired through successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above. (CLICK FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

Examples of such experience could include planning and executing complex geologic studies, which usually involved intensive investigations into recognized phenomena. This work typically involved conventional methods & techniques though it required going beyond clear precedents and required adapting methods to the problems at hand and interpreting findings in terms of their scientific significance. At this level, Geologists have a very good knowledge of the principles of geology and their application, and the ability to independently perform scientific work of considerable difficulty.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.

NOTICE TO NON-CITIZENS

Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. A Federal agency is permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position, AND the non-citizen meets the appropriation act and immigration laws. Read the information provided in the following link. If a non-citizen does not meet the appropriation act and immigration laws, then they cannot be considered for this Mendenhall Opportunity. Please contact the person under Agency Contact Information for questions about eligibility and further assistance.

Foreign Education

Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit:

Other Information

• Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
• This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies in the advertised office or other U.S. Geological Survey offices in the local commuting area.
• Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. Agencies are permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position.
• USGS employees are subject to Title 43, USC Section 31(a) and may not: (a) have any personal, private, direct or indirect interest in lands or mineral wealth of lands under survey; (b) have any substantial personal, private direct or indirect interests in any private mining or mineral enterprise doing business with the United States; or (c) execute surveys or examinations for private parties or corporations.
• The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.
• DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit

Agency Benefits

• USGS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework in accordance with the DOI Telework policy and with supervisor approval. The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis.
• For additional information on our internal telework policy, please reference the Department of the Interior Telework Handbook at:
• Working for the U.S. Geological Survey offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full‑time, part‑time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.