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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
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Geology and Geochemistry Postdoctoral Research Associate in Critical Minerals and Geometallurgy Idaho National Laboratory in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Geology
Funding
The position pays $105,144 annually. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) access with postdoctoral self-contribution access, paid personal leave, an employee education program with tuition assistance for eligible positions, and a comprehensive relocation package. Benefit eligibility depends on employment status and position classification.
Deadline
Dec 6, 2026
Country
United States
University
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
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About this position
Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the Department of Critical Minerals & Geothermal Energy within the Energy and Environment Science and Technology directorate. Based at the Minerals, Materials, and Metallurgy (M³) Laboratory in Idaho Falls, the project will strengthen INL’s geoscience and geometallurgy capabilities for critical-mineral resources.
The researcher will investigate the mineralogy, geochemistry, and petrogenesis of rare earth element (REE), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) mineralization in mineral deposits and tailings. A central goal is to determine where critical metals occur within complex, multi-mineral assemblages. The work will use laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and complementary microanalytical methods to characterize mineral phases and elemental distributions.
The project combines field geology, laboratory characterization, and deposit-scale interpretation. The researcher will plan and conduct geological and geochemical field studies, collect surface and drill-core samples from exploration and mining programs, and examine suites representing different deposit styles, alteration types, and tailings materials.
Laboratory activities will include X-ray diffraction, petrography, electron-probe microanalysis, LA-ICP-MS spot analysis and elemental mapping, and whole-rock geochemistry. These datasets will be integrated into elemental deportment models that identify mineral species and reveal how critical elements are distributed across a deposit. The resulting models will guide the design of beneficiation circuits for complex feedstocks, including tailings.
Dr. Paul Slezak will oversee the position. The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with university partners and INL geoscientists, metallurgists, and chemists in an interdisciplinary research environment. In addition to research execution and data interpretation, the role includes scientific manuscript preparation, conference presentations, invention disclosures, proposal development, and technical communication with sponsors and professional audiences.
Funding details
The position pays $105,144 annually. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) access with postdoctoral self-contribution access, paid personal leave, an employee education program with tuition assistance for eligible positions, and a comprehensive relocation package. Benefit eligibility depends on employment status and position classification.
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in Geology or Geochemistry, completed by the appointment start date and within the previous five years. Required experience includes economic geology, mineralogy and/or igneous petrology; hands-on LA-ICP-MS experience covering sample preparation, instrument operation and tuning, calibration with reference materials, and data reduction; characterization of REE-bearing or other critical-mineral assemblages using petrography, SEM/EDS, and bulk-rock geochemical methods; geological or geochemical field studies, sample collection, or drill-core logging; and the ability to analyze and interpret geological and geochemical data with computer software. Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English are required. Preferred qualifications include experience with carbonatite or alkaline igneous REE-Th deposits, elemental or mineral deportment models, automated mineralogy, electron-probe microanalysis and element mapping, geometallurgy or mineral processing, geochemical data analysis and visualization using Python, R, MATLAB, or comparable software, statistical or machine-learning approaches, naturally occurring radioactive material or radiological laboratory settings, and mentoring students or interns. Applicants must be able to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team, conduct field and laboratory work, travel overnight for extended field assignments, and meet the stated physical requirements.
How to apply
Apply through the INL careers portal using the Apply Now button. Submit a resume and answer all questions on the application screens.
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Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.