Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Energy Geosciences Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the area of Experimental Interfacial Geochemistry . The overarching goal of this project is to definitively establish the roles for interfacial water in chemical-mechanical processes accompanying rock formation, deformation and utilization for energy and climate goals. The project will use state-of-the-art instrumentation at Berkeley Lab that could include, depending on the interest of the candidate, interface calorimetry, surface spectroscopy, dielectric spectroscopy, quantum sensing, X-ray and electron imaging, scattering or spectroscopy. Direct experience in these methods is not required, and candidates from diverse backgrounds seeking to learn new approaches are encouraged to apply. The project will study carbonate, clay or silica minerals relevant to sedimentary systems and processes, also depending upon the interest of the applicant.

Adjunct Prof. Ben Gilbert and Dr. Michael Whittaker co-advise this position within the Fundamental Geosciences Group at LBNL. Our group is a multidisciplinary collaboration between LBNL, UC Berkeley, UC Riverside, University of Colorado comprising geochemists, geophysicists, chemists, materials scientists, and environmental scientists at all stages of their scientific careers. Our mission is to apply cutting-edge experimental and modeling approaches to address pressing clean energy challenges in complex geologic systems. An outline of the research performed within this group can be found HERE and HERE

What You Will Do:

• Perform basic experimental research to obtain novel thermodynamic descriptions of mineral-fluid interfaces.
• Acquire complementary spectroscopy or imaging data, or molecular simulations, to achieve a coherent description of mineral-water interfaces
• Collaborate on the development of multiscale models for the evolution of sedimentary rock systems under chemical and mechanical disequilibrium
• Contribute to the development of conceptual and quantitative models for chemical-mechanical coupling in geochemical processes.
• Work creatively, independently, and productively.
• Work as a member of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Work collaboratively with laboratory technicians.
• Supervise laboratory interns, if there is mutual interest.
• Publish peer-reviewed journal articles and present work at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to progress reports and team deliverables.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in Earth science, chemistry, materials science or relevant STEM field.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research that addresses fundamental questions in geochemistry.
• Ability to work creatively, independently, and productively.
• Ability to work as a member of a large multidisciplinary research team.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills.
• Record of timely publications.

The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, with the following application materials:

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background (1 page preferred, 2 pages maximum).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Names and contact information for three references.
• PDFs of 1-3 of your publications.

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Notes:

• This is a full-time, 3 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 2 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $6,476.00 - $7,887.00 Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-PhD Postdoctoral and/or related research experience

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