Cornell University, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences/College of Engineering
Materials Science / materials for renewable energy, energy storage, catalysis, desalination, and water reuse applications
** finished (2023/11/13, finished 2024/02/15)*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***
Position Description
Two Postdoctoral Positions in Bio-accelerated Weathering
for Energy Critical Element Recovery and CO2 Sequestration at Cornell
The revolution triggered by the clean energy transition and the US government’s initiatives to expand the domestic supply chain for clean energy technologies are placing an unprecedented demand for critical elements such as the rare earths, Ni, Co, and the platinum group elements. However, current methods of metal extraction leaves considerable amounts of toxic waste and have a high carbon footprint. Even if we succeed in electrifying all the energy infrastructure, there remains an unavoidable need to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
Synthetic biology, in combination with mineralogy and geochemistry, provides a new frontier for sustainable energy innovation. To solve the supply challenges of energy critical elements and large-scale carbon removal we have spearheaded an interdisciplinary project to develop engineered microbes capable of dissolving rocks with low energy and carbon input that will provide critical elements for energy technologies, while at the same time providing cations needed CO2 mineralization.
This project builds upon a long-term collaboration between the Barstow and Gazel groups, which has successfully developed engineered microorganisms for extracting and separating rare earth elements for energy technologies. The two groups meet formally every two weeks, but members of the groups communicate daily and move seamlessly between the two labs. This project comes with significant entrepreneurial opportunities and potential for commercialization. Our collaboration already resulted in the successful startup REEgen, Inc., founded by a graduate student and postdoc from our previous project.
To achieve our project objectives, we are recruiting:
1. A postdoctoral associate under the supervision of Prof. Buz Barstow in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University with a proven track record in microbiology, with a particular focus on the isolation, cultivation, and genetic manipulation of non-model micro-organisms (the weirder the better). Additional preferred skills include high-throughput screening, computation, electronics fabrication, and advanced genetic manipulation tools. Requirements: - A Ph.D. in microbiology or closed field, proficiency in science communication (written and oral) with evidence of peer review publications. Assets: Ability to contribute to an inclusive working environment, including interaction with researchers at all levels in our lab.
2. A postdoctoral associate/research associate (depending on years of experience) under the supervision of Prof. Esteban Gazel at the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Cornell University, with proven research on Earth materials and expertise in bulk (e.g., XRF, XRD, ICP-MS) and in-situ (SEM/EMPA/TEM, LA-ICP-MS, Raman/FTIR) mineral characterization techniques. Their task will involve the characterization of ultramafic feedstocks that will be used before and after bioleaching experiments, evaluating the record physiochemical processes of mineral-microbe interactions in the experimental residues, and conducting mass balance, efficiency assessment, and optimization. Requirements: - A Ph.D. in Earth or Material sciences, proficiency in science communication (written and oral) with evidence of peer review publications. Assets: Ability to contribute to an inclusive working environment, including interaction with researchers at all levels in our lab.
Submitted applications require the following documents: 1) CV; 2) short statement of research (no more than two pages) interests in line with the project; 3) names and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2023. For more information about these positions, contact Prof. Esteban Gazel at egazel@cornell.edu or Prof. Buz Barstrow at bmb35@cornell.edu.
Pay Ranges: $56,484 - $80,000 The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills
For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.
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Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
- Prior relevant work or industry experience.
- Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
- Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
- Unique applicable skills.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Three references (actual letters acceptable but not required, just names and email addresses )
Further Info: