Duke University, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Position ID:
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate Position in Environmental Geochemistry
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America
Subject Area:
Appl Deadline:
(posted 2025/05/06, listed until 2025/11/06)
Position Description:
Position Description
Candidates are invited to apply for a postdoctoral research position at Duke University in topic area of environmental geochemistry. The Postdoctoral Associate will lead a project on critical metals resourcing in mine wastes. The project goals are to evaluate the geochemical characteristics of acid mine drainage (AMD) fluids and treatment solids at sites that are known to be enriched in rare earth elements, cobalt, and other metals. The research aims to: 1) Delineate the chemical speciation and mineral phases associations of these critical metals in AMD wastes; and 2) Evaluate the implications of these associations for extraction processes. The Postdoctoral Associate will be based in Duke’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the research team led by Professor Heileen Hsu-Kim. The Postdoctoral Associate will perform experiments to characterize the chemical speciation and leaching potential of target metals from candidate feedstocks. The Postdoctoral Associate should be able to work effectively with collaborators from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and lead annual fieldwork activities for sample collection. Opportunities to travel to conferences and project meetings are also available. This position provides numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration offered at Duke. The Postdoctoral Associate will be expected to prepare and publish first-authored articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Opportunities may be available to contribute to other publications relevant to the scholar's interests. The Postdoctoral Associate will also contribute to technical reports. The position is likely to present opportunities for mentorship of graduate or undergraduate students and opportunities for seminars, guest lectures and other avenues to contribute to intellectual life in the department. An initial term of one year is offered with potential for renewal for a subsequent year contingent on performance. The anticipated start date is June 1 or soon thereafter. Minimum requirements: • Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in environmental engineering, geochemistry, earth and environmental science, or a related field. • Experience working in a research laboratory, including designing and conducting research experiments independently • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on cross-disciplinary projects • Evidence of past research productivity such as peer-reviewed publications • Strong oral and written communication skills Preferred qualifications: • Experience with geochemical speciation methods, particularly synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy • Knowledge of data management • Experience with statistical analysis of data and geospatial analysis tools (e.g. ArcGIS) To apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vita, and the names and email addresses of three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Additional information of the Hsu-Kim research group: https://hsukim.pratt.duke.edu/Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three reference names and email addresses
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info:
Duke University
Pratt School of Engineering
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
121 Hudson Hall
PO 90287
Durham, NC 27708
Pratt School of Engineering
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
121 Hudson Hall
PO 90287
Durham, NC 27708