Postdoc Research Associate

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) • Carlsbad, CA

1d • $73,000

About The Position

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) invites qualified candidates to apply for the Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at its Carlsbad, California, and New York City locations. The one-to-two-year fellowships encourage early career scientists to pursue full-time academic research into fundamental scientific problems in gemstone geology, defect physics diamond synthesis, and other fields related to gemology – the study of diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, and their treatments. In-house research tools include FTIR, UV-Vis-NIR absorption, Raman, photoluminescence, and EPR spectrometers, an SEM microscope equipped with EDS and CL spectroscopy and imaging, laser ablation ICP-MS, and a CVD diamond growth lab with laser cutting and polishing facilities. Fellows are expected to conduct creative, independent, publishable research and collaborate with GIA scientists as well as outside research institutions and universities. The fellowship includes a competitive annual stipend ($73,000+), research funding, and approved travel subsidies. Benefits include full health, dental and vision insurance, and the potential reimbursement of relocation expenses. Appointments are for one year and may be extended for a second based on mutual agreement. The start date of each fellowship is flexible. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date, and preferably within the last three years. Effective oral and written English skills and the ability to publish high-level scientific articles are required. Candidates should be willing to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Requirements

• Ph.D. in scientific field from accredited college or university, preferably within the last 3 years
• Relevant proposal for research work
• Effective communication in English with scientific and production staff
• The ability to prepare written scientific articles for publication, and a willingness to travel domestically or internationally as needed are strongly desired

Nice To Haves

• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally as needed are strongly desired

Responsibilities

• Primarily conduct focused research into fundamental scientific problems related to mineralogy, crystallography, geochemistry and gemology of diamonds; various type of colored gem stones (corundum, beryl, spinel, garnet, quartz); pearls; and possibly related gem-instrument development.
• Diamond research includes fundamental scientific problems in diamond geology, diamond physics and synthetic diamond growth mechanisms, and other scientific problems related to gemology. The specific focus of the research will depend on the applicant’s interests, expertise, and the needs of GIA research and the laboratory
• Performs analysis utilizing spectrometers, chemical analysis, X-ray imaging systems, and other research tools
• Presentation and publication of research results in international conference and academic journals, internally and externally
• Additional daily activities may involve assisting with data collection and interpretation
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned or required

Benefits

• full health, dental and vision insurance
• potential reimbursement of relocation expenses

What This Job Offers

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