Job Description:

Position Summary

Dr. Bidong Zhang's lab in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences is looking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the field of geochemistry/cosmochemistry.

The NASA-funded project aims to unravel the origin and evolution of lunar Mg-suite magmatism. This project uses petrography, microstructural tools, and U-Pb radiometric dating techniques for a series of Apollo Mg-suite rocks to constrain the origin, fractional-crystallization history, and thermal evolution of the Mg-suite magmatism as well as the timing of lunar-magma-ocean crystallization.

We seek highly motivated individuals with a strong background in geochemistry, preferably (but not required) with experience in SIMS or extraterrestrial material research, to join us in the new, vibrant research group. The primary responsibilities are to conduct optical microscopic and SEM mapping of Apollo thin sections, perform U-Pb/Pb-Pb dating of accessory minerals by SIMS 1290, and publish data in peer-reviewed journals.

This is a two-year appointment, with a proposed start date of June 1, 2025 (negotiable).

The associate will receive:

• $60,000 plus benefits (retirement benefits, healthcare and paid time-off)
• Opportunities to work on the coolest rocks
• Funds for attending international and domestic conferences and an office computer
• PI mentorship and leadership to prepare for an independent researcher
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary research opportunities at Rice Space Institute and in Greater Houston

Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, please submit a letter of interest, your CV, and the names and contact information for three references. For questions, please contact Dr. Bidong Zhang ( bidong@rice.edu ).

Workplace Requirements: This is an in-person position at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Additionally, this position is funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in geology, geochemistry, planetary science, chemistry or related field

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation skills
• Organization and time management skills
• Knowledge of geo-/cosmochemical research methods, data collection, and analyses
• Ability to write scholarly papers to publish them in journals
• Able to work in a collaborative environment
• Able to work independently and professionally with minimal supervision and direction

Preferences

• Preference will be given to those who have experience in extraterrestrial material research and/or isotope-ratio mass spectrometry

Essential Functions

• Conducts optical microscopic and SEM mapping of Apollo thin sections; perform U-Pb/Pb-Pb dating of accessory minerals by SIMS 1290
• Compiles and reduces data
• Publishes results in peer-reviewed journals
• Mentors, oversees, and/or trains junior research team members
• Presents findings at national and international conferences
• Supports lab management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
• Performs other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

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