Duke University, NSOE-ENS & ECS
Position ID:
Duke-NSOE-ENS & ECS-POSTDOC_VENGOSH [#31663]
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Associate
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America
Subject Areas:
Appl Deadline:
(posted 2026/02/09, listed until 2026/07/02)
Position Description:
Position Description
The Vengosh Laboratory at the Division of Earth and Climate Sciences of the Nicholas School of Environment seeks a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to study the geochemistry of critical minerals and the environmental implications of critical mining extraction and utilization. Integrated with the Critical Minerals Hub at Duke University, the Vengosh Laboratory investigates the geochemistry of critical minerals (e.g., lithium, rubidium, rare-earth elements) through the life cycle of mining, processing and utilization. We seek to develop geochemical and isotope tracers that will help to identify the source(s) of critical minerals through the supply chains as well as developing geochemical and isotopic tracers to delineate possible environmental effects and impact on water quality. The research project involves active groundwater testing and evaluation in critical minerals mine sites. Duke University has established state-of-the art analytical facilities capable to measure a wide range of isotopes and radionuclides, including boron, strontium, lithium, lead, neodymium, radium, among others. Postdoctoral researchers are expected to actively be participating in research including fieldwork and sampling in different sites through the U.S. and overseas as well as conducting extensive laboratory work that includes experiments and operation of multiple analytical instruments including thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS) at Duke University, mentoring of junior graduate and undergraduate students in Vengosh Lab, as well as developing new research projects and submitting proposals to federal agencies and the industry. The successful applicant will join a thriving scholar community of the Critical Minerals Hub at duke that includes faculty, postdoctoral researcher, and students from the Nicholas School of the Environment and Pratt School of Engineering. Work Performed: The primary duties of this position include: • Conduct fieldwork and sampling of water resources in mine sites; (20%) • Conduct analytical work at Duke labs to analyze the chemical and isotopic compositions, of rocks, waste rocks, tailings, groundwater, surface waters; (30%) • Evaluate data, write scientific papers, reports; (20%) • Write and submit proposals for future research projects (20%) • Mentor junior graduate and undergraduate students in Vengosh Lab; (5%) • Active participate in Vengosh Lab and the Critical Minerals Hub meetings (5%) Term: Appointment duration: full-time, 40 hours per week; one year (with an option to extend). Required Qualifications at this Level: Education/Training Applicants should hold a PhD in Environmental Geochemistry. We seek applicants with a strong interest, motivation, and background in environmental geochemistry and training in the geochemistry critical minerals geochemistry, isotope geochemistry. Experience with developing new isotope methods, ion-exchange extraction, and operation of Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) and Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) would be preferable. Experience Work requires minimum PhD in Environmental Geochemistry of 4-5 years with possible (but not required) postdoctoral associate experience of two years with demonstrated publication record in high-impacted scientific journals. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Skills Preferred Qualifications: (if applicable): Background in research of critical minerals with focus on geochemistry and environmental impacts. Knowledge in groundwater geochemistry and use of isotope tracers for evaluation of water geochemistry and quality. Projected Start Date: The position is available immediately. Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the USA. Visa sponsorship will be considered for only exceptional cases. Additional Information: The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Duke University is an 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, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military 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. ________________________________________ Essential Physical Job Functions Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.Duke is an 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, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military 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:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Sample of a recent (and related) published paper.
- Statement of research accomplishments, interests, future directions and methodological skills
- Short cover letter describing your background and career goals
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses
)
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info: