Geologist III
About The Position
The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) seeks an applied aqueous geochemist to join our team (Geologist III). This position will lead the development of a new KGS research program focused on the chemistry of deep basin brines, produced waters, formation fluids, and shallow groundwater systems across the Commonwealth. A core responsibility of this position will be to establish Kentucky's first comprehensive statewide groundwater and brine geochemistry program. This includes designing sampling strategies, implementing analytical workflows, establishing QA/QC protocols, and building a long-term database for subsurface fluid chemistry that will serve researchers, state agencies, industry partners, and the public. The successful candidate will lead independent and collaborative research in topics such as: Geochemical characterization of basin brines and produced waters Critical minerals in brines and opportunities for fluid-derived mineral resources Water-rock interactions and reservoir fluid evolution Groundwater contamination, solute transport, and baseline water chemistry Applied environmental geochemistry of legacy oil and gas fields, and other energy infrastructure Integration of fluid chemistry with stratigraphy, structure, petroleum systems, and basin evolution KGS maintains statewide geologic and subsurface datasets-such as drill cores, well logs, seismic reflection data, and mapping products-that support interpretations of fluid origins and movement. Laboratory capabilities (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRD, SEM, pXRF, etc.) and field equipment are available to support aqueous geochemistry research. The new hire will be responsible for expanding these capabilities through new datasets, new methods, and new collaborations. This is a full-time, externally funded term position, with the potential for continuation contingent on performance and the availability of funding. Given the societal importance of water quality and subsurface fluid management in Kentucky, effective communication and stakeholder engagement are essential. The position offers opportunities to collaborate with state agencies, federal partners, industry, and academic researchers. Opportunities for adjunct appointments at the University of Kentucky are also possible, and we welcome candidates interested in mentoring students and contributing to graduate education.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in geoscience, geochemistry, hydrogeology, or a related field from an accredited university plus 3 years of related experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in aqueous geochemistry, groundwater/brine sampling, and geochemical data interpretation.
- 5+ years of Driver's license.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with geochemical modeling tools (e.g., PHREEQC, Geochemist's Workbench) is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Designing sampling strategies
- Implementing analytical workflows
- Establishing QA/QC protocols
- Building a long-term database for subsurface fluid chemistry that will serve researchers, state agencies, industry partners, and the public
- Lead independent and collaborative research
- Expanding capabilities through new datasets, new methods, and new collaborations
- Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Industry
Educational Services
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
