The Vengosh Laboratory at the Division of Earth and Climate Sciences of the Nicholas School of Environment seeks a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to study the geochemistry of critical minerals and the environmental implications of critical mining extraction and utilization. Integrated with the Critical Minerals Hub at Duke University, the Vengosh Laboratory investigates the geochemistry of critical minerals (e.g., lithium, rubidium, rare-earth elements) through the life cycle of mining, processing and utilization. We seek to develop geochemical and isotope tracers that will help to identify the source(s) of critical minerals through the supply chains as well as developing geochemical and isotopic tracers to delineate possible environmental effects and impact on water quality. The research project involves active groundwater testing and evaluation in critical minerals mine sites.

Duke University has established state-of-the art analytical facilities capable to measure a wide range of isotopes and radionuclides, including boron, strontium, lithium, lead, neodymium, radium, among others. Postdoctoral researchers are expected to actively be participating in research including fieldwork and sampling in different sites through the U.S. and overseas as well as conducting extensive laboratory work that includes experiments and operation of multiple analytical instruments including thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS) at Duke University, mentoring of junior graduate and undergraduate students in Vengosh Lab, as well as developing new research projects and submitting proposals to federal agencies and the industry. The successful applicant will join a thriving scholar community of the Critical Minerals Hub at duke that includes faculty, postdoctoral researcher, and students from the Nicholas School of the Environment and Pratt School of Engineering.

Work Performed: The primary duties of this position include: • Conduct fieldwork and sampling of water resources in mine sites; (20%) • Conduct analytical work at Duke labs to analyze the chemical and isotopic compositions, of rocks, waste rocks, tailings, groundwater, surface waters; (30%) • Evaluate data, write scientific papers, reports; (20%) • Write and submit proposals for future research projects (20%) • Mentor junior graduate and undergraduate students in Vengosh Lab; (5%) • Active participate in Vengosh Lab and the Critical Minerals Hub meetings (5%) Term: Appointment duration: full-time, 40 hours per week; one year (with an option to extend).

Projected Start Date: The position is available immediately.

To apply: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31663

Required Qualifications at this Level: Education/Training Applicants should hold a PhD in Environmental Geochemistry. We seek applicants with a strong interest, motivation, and background in environmental geochemistry and training in the geochemistry critical minerals geochemistry, isotope geochemistry. Experience with developing new isotope methods, ion-exchange extraction, and operation of Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) and Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) would be preferable.

Experience Work requires minimum PhD in Environmental Geochemistry of 4-5 years with possible (but not required) postdoctoral associate experience of two years with demonstrated publication record in high-impacted scientific journals. 

Skills Preferred Qualifications:: Background in research of critical minerals with focus on geochemistry and environmental impacts. Knowledge in groundwater geochemistry and use of isotope tracers for evaluation of water geochemistry and quality.