Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Indiana University, USA. 

The project aims to develop internally consistent thermodynamic data for rare earth element (REE) aqueous species and solids. This is part of a large project with Dr. Alexander Gysi at New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resource as the principal investigator (PI) and several co-PIs at New Mexico Tech and Los Alamos National Laboratory. The project covers high-temperature hydrothermal experimental geochemistry, EXAFS and Raman spectroscopy, chemical thermodynamics and computational geochemistry. The position at IUB focuses on thermodynamics and data sciences. 

Salary is competitive and includes fringe benefits. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the expectation of renewing for another two years, subject to performance and funding availability. The candidate will be based on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University. We closely work with faculty and students in the School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering, which is across the street from our building. 

More information about ongoing research in Zhu's group may be found at: www.hydrogeochem.earth.indiana.edu.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

Compile, curate, and correlate thermodynamic data for REE aqueous species, solids, and solid solutions

Aid in development of novel computational tools to interpret thermodynamic data and develop equations of state

Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner

All applications received by December 31, 2021 will receive full consideration, but all applications will be considered until the position is filled. The expected start date is February 1, 2022, but is negotiable.

Indiana University is an R1 university (Research Universities with the Highest research activity in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education) and is in its bicentennial celebration in 2020. The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (formerly the Department of Geological Sciences) was founded 125 years ago and has a long tradition of excellence in geochemistry. The City of Bloomington is a delightful, safe, and affordable college town ranked among the top livable cities in the USA. The university also has a famed school of music, which hosts year-round concerts, ballet, opera, and other cultural activities. 

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in earth sciences or a closely related field by the start date, and within the last five years. 

A strong background in aqueous geochemistry and skills, knowledge, and experience in data science is highly desired. 

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Dr. Chen Zhu at chenzhu@indiana.edu with subject line:  Postdoc Position.