Geology/Geochemistry Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a postdoctoral researcher for the Department of Critical Minerals & Geothermal Energy in the Energy and Environment Science and Technology directorate. The role focuses on the mineralogy, geochemistry, and petrogenesis of rare earth element, thorium, and uranium mineralization in mineral deposits and tailings. The researcher will use LA-ICP-MS and other microanalytical techniques to determine the location of critical metals in complex, multi-mineral assemblages. The team is based at the Minerals, Materials, and Metallurgy (M³) Laboratory in Idaho Falls and works a 9x80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

The researcher will work with university collaborators and INL geoscientists, metallurgists, and chemists. They will plan and conduct field studies and sample collection, including surface sampling and drill core from active exploration and mining programs. Responsibilities include collecting, compiling, organizing, and interpreting data; proposing new data collection; characterizing samples using methods such as X-ray diffraction, petrography, electron probe microanalysis, LA-ICP-MS spot analysis and elemental mapping, and whole-rock geochemistry; and integrating results into deposit-wide elemental deportment models. These models will identify mineral species and guide beneficiation circuit design for complex feedstocks, including tailings. The work will help establish INL’s geoscience and geometallurgy capabilities in critical minerals.

The candidate will contribute as a self-motivated member of an interdisciplinary R&D team, while also taking direction from colleagues. The position involves writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, presenting research at national and international conferences and meetings, contributing to invention disclosures, helping develop follow-on proposals, and representing the Department in programmatic and technical presentations to sponsors and peers.

Requirements

• PhD in Geology or Geochemistry, completed by the commencement of the appointment and within the previous five years.
• Research experience in economic geology, mineralogy, and/or igneous petrology.
• Hands-on LA-ICP-MS experience, including sample preparation, instrument operation and tuning, calibration with reference materials, and data reduction using tools such as Iolite, LADR, or Glitter.
• Experience characterizing REE-bearing or other critical mineral assemblages using transmitted- and reflected-light petrography, SEM/EDS, and bulk-rock geochemical methods.
• Experience planning or conducting geological or geochemical field studies, sample collection, or drill core logging for research or application.
• Ability to analyze and interpret geological and geochemical data using computer software and combine information to form general rules or conclusions.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member, be self-motivated, and take direction from team members and peers.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with elemental mapping.
• Research experience with carbonatite, alkaline igneous, or other REE-Th deposits.
• Experience constructing elemental or mineral deportment models, or using automated mineralogy such as QEMSCAN, MLA, or TIMA.
• Experience with electron probe microanalysis and element mapping.
• Familiarity with geometallurgy or mineral processing, including how mineral texture, grain size, and liberation affect beneficiation.
• Proficiency in geochemical data analysis and visualization using Python, R, MATLAB, or commercial programs such as IoGAS, including statistical or machine-learning approaches to mineral classification.
• Experience working with naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) or in radiological laboratory settings.
• Experience mentoring students or interns.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct geological and geochemical field studies and sample collection, including surface sampling and drill core from active exploration and mining programs.
• Collect, compile, organize, and interpret research data, and propose new data collection.
• Characterize samples using X-ray diffraction, petrography, electron probe microanalysis, LA-ICP-MS spot analysis and elemental mapping, and whole-rock geochemistry.
• Integrate data into deposit-wide elemental deportment models that identify mineral species and guide beneficiation circuit design for complex feedstocks, including tailings.
• Work closely with university collaborators and INL geoscientists, metallurgists, and chemists as part of an interdisciplinary R&D team.
• Write scientific manuscripts for journal publication and present research results at national and international conferences and meetings.
• Contribute to invention disclosures, help develop follow-on proposals, and support Department representation through programmatic and technical presentations to sponsors and peers.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match for regular positions, or self-contribute access for postdoctoral positions
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive relocation package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree