Position Description

Candidates are invited to apply for a postdoctoral research position at Duke University in the topic area of environmental geochemistry. 

The Postdoctoral Associate will lead a project on critical metals from unconventional resources. The project goals are to evaluate the geochemical characteristics of potential feedstocks and develop extraction methods for resources such as rare earth elements, cobalt, lithium and other metals. The research aims to: 1) Delineate the molecular level speciation and mineral phase associations of these critical metals in unconventional feedstocks; 2) Evaluate the implications of these associations for extraction processes; and 3) Assess the critical mineral resource potential of unconventional wastes through geospatial and statistical analysis of supply chain and resource data sets.

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 that include spectroscopic and chemical imaging tools for geochemical characterization and leach of target metals from candidate feedstocks. The Postdoctoral Associate will also develop resource models by compiling relevant datasets and applying data science tools. The Postdoctoral Associate should be able to work effectively with collaborators from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and participate in 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 as part of the Duke Critical Minerals Hub.

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 coordinate meetings with project partners and lead the preparation of technical reports for project sponsors. 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 November 1, 2026.

 Minimum requirements:

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in environmental engineering, geomaterials, 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 and material imaging methods, particularly ICP-MS.
• Knowledge of data management.
• Experience with statistical analysis of data and geospatial analysis tools (e.g. ArcGIS).

To apply: Submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and email addresses of three references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Additional information about the Hsu-Kim research group: https://hsukim.pratt.duke.edu/