Job Postings

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Postings more than one year old

PhD Opportunity at GFZ Potsdam, Germany, posted 6 February, 2010

Helmholtzzentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ), Sektion 3.3 "Chemistry and Physics of Geomaterials", in cooperation with the Department of Mineralogy, Univ. Münster, invites applications for a DFG funded Project by PhD students. In the frame of this project the influence of the coordination of trace elements in silicate melts on element distribution processes in magmatic systems will be investigated. The coordination of trace elements (e.g. Lanthanides) in silicate melts will be mainly characterised by X-ray spectroscopic methods (XAFS, XANES, EXAFS, RIXS). These measurements will be performed at national and international synchrotron radiation sources.

Tasks: synthesis of melts and glasses, chemical characterisation of synthesis products; X-ray spectroscopic measurements with synchrotron radiation; Analysis of spectra, numerical simulation of spectra; comparison to results from molecular dynamic simulations; correlation of results with crystal-melt element partitioning data.

Qualifications: Diploma/master in mineralogy, geosciences, physics, chemistry or material sciences; experience and interest for experimental work, practical skills, ability for self-contained work organisation; possibly experience with computer-based data analysis (XAFS data); optionally experience with atomistic, numerical simulations

Start: as soon as possible; Duration: 3 years Salary: EG 13 TVöD 50% (ca. 1550 EUR before deduction of taxes etc.)

Infos: PrivDoz. Max Wilke (0331 2881415, max@gfz-potsdam.de ) Prof. Stephan Klemme (0251 8333047, stephan.klemme@uni-muenster.de ) Applications by snail-mail or e-mail: Dr. M. Wilke Helmholtzzentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ) Sektion 3.3 Telegrafenberg 14473 Potsdam max@gfz-potsdam.de

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Missouri State University in Materials in Extreme Environments, posted 15 January, 2010

Missouri State University is accepting applications for a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (Studies of Materials in Extreme Environments) for the Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science Department in the Center for Energy Frontier Research in Extreme Environments (EFree). Responsibilities are focused on the investigation of metal speciation and complexation, solubility and dissolution of metal oxides, and physical and chemical properties of metal oxide nanostructured materials and glasses (oxides and silicates) in supercritical aqueous fluids; the study of materials in supercritical aqueous fluids, under extremes of temperature and pressure, at the atomic to micrometer scale; extensive use of x-ray absorption (EXAFS and XANES) and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopies; micro x-ray diffraction and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. EFree is a nation-wide DOE-funded center, with participants from nine universities, six national laboratories, and one non-governmental laboratory, involved in fundamental research on materials in extreme environments that is vital to addressing twenty-first century energy needs.

For required qualifications please go to: http://www.missouristate.edu/jobs or call (417) 836-4683. Excellent Benefit Package. This is a limited term appointment for two-years. Salary: $34,000/ann. Please submit letter of interest, curriculum vitae, online application, research statement, copy of transcripts, & name, address & phone number of three professional references by 1-22-10. Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense. AA/EOE.

For more information please contact: Dr. Robert A. Mayanovic, Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science, Missouri State University, 901 S. National, Springfield, MO 65897. Phone: (417) 836-5606 Email: <RobertMayanovic@MissouriState.edu>

Scientist, X-ray Spectroscopy at DESY, Hamburg location, posted 12 November, 2009

The position

* Participation in the scientific work at X-ray spectroscopy beamlines

• Support of international user groups using X-ray absorption or fluorescence spectroscopy
• Possibility to develop own independent and collaborative research
• Further improvement of the experimental setup
• Conception and implementation of new methods and instrumentation

Requirements

* Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, mineralogy or related field

• Proven experience with X-ray spectroscopy methods (X-ray absorption or fluorescence) using synchrotron radiation
• Good experimental skills and interest in instrumentation development
• Team ability and very good English language skills

Full details, see the job listing at: http://www.desy.de/v2/docs/1257511440-e.pdf

Postdoctoral Position, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, posted October 7, 2009.

The Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University has an immediate opening for a post-doctoral researcher in the area of synchrotron based methods (X-ray computed microtomography, micro x-ray diffraction, micro-XAFS, total scattering) for characterizing precipitates formed in biofilms. Additional experience in inorganic chemistry, crystallography/mineralogy, and aquatic geochemistry along with some expertise in electron microscopy would be beneficial. The successful candidate will have to work with microbial live cultures. Requirements include a Ph.D. in chemistry, geochemistry, or a related field, excellent laboratory skills, written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work well in a group and to prepare manuscripts for publication in a timely fashion is essential.

The position is for 1 year with a potential extension of 6 months depending upon availability of funding and performance. Applicants should provide a curriculum vitae and a list of three references (with telephone numbers and email addresses). Application materials must be submitted to Prof. Jean-François Gaillard, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208-3109, Tel: (847) 467-1376 Email: <jf-gaillard@northwestern.edu>

Review of applications will begin immediately, but applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Northwestern University is an equal opportunity employer.

Postdoctoral Position, Department of Physics, Astronomy and Materials Science at Missouri State University, posted 22 September, 2009

The Department of Physics, Astronomy and Materials Science at Missouri State University has an opening for a postdoctoral position. As a participant in the Center for Energy Frontier Research in Extreme Environments (EFree), the selected candidate will collaborate with Prof. Robert Mayanovic and other scientists within the center to investigate metal speciation and complexation, solubility and dissolution of metal oxides, and physical and chemical properties of metal oxide nanostructured materials and glasses (oxides and silicates) in supercritical aqueous fluids. The candidate will contribute to studies of materials in supercritical aqueous fluids, under extremes of temperature and pressure, at the atomic to micrometer scale. Extensive use of x-ray absorption (EXAFS and XANES) and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopies will be made for this work, but use of other synchrotron techniques such as micro x-ray diffraction and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism is also anticipated. Full knowledge of XAS techniques and use of synchrotron x-ray radiation for experimental work is desired. EFree is a nation-wide DOE-funded center, with participants from 9 universities, 6 national laboratories, and 1 non-governmental laboratory, involved in fundamental research on materials in extreme environments that is vital to addressing twenty-first century energy needs.

Candidates must have recently received a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics, Physical or Inorganic Chemistry, Geochemistry, Mineral Physics, or related field from an accredited college or university. The ideal candidate must be self-directed, creative and self-motivated, and be able to show initiative. This is a limited term employment position with a two-year appointment. Candidates should submit a detailed CV, contact information of three references, and a research statement. Evaluation of candidates will commence immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

For more information please contact:

Robert A. Mayanovic, Professor Department of Physics, Astronomy & Materials Science Missouri State University Springfield, MO 65897

Phone: (417) 836-5606 , Email: (<RobertMayanovic AT MissouriState DOT edu>).

The Glenn T. Seaborg Center postdoctoral opportunity, posted 18 September, 2009

The Glenn T. Seaborg Center at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is soliciting applications for a postdoctoral position working in the area of local crystal and electronic structures of lanthanide and actinide intermetallics and organometallics. Research will focus on XAFS and PDF studies of radiation damage effects in plutonium binary intermetallics, in addition to the PuCoGa₅ superconductor. Other possible related focus areas include studying the relationship between disorder and magnetic behavior in lanthanide and actinide materials, and exploring homogeneous mixed valence and valence transitions in lanthanide organometallics. Other x-ray absorption techniques will be utilized for measuring certain electronic properties.

We are seeking candidates who have a Ph.D. (within the last 3 years) in experimental condensed matter physics, physical chemistry, or a related field. Experience in a local structure technique, while not essential, is preferred. To apply, see the full posting at http://jobs.lbl.gov/LBNLCareers/details.asp?jid=23539&p=1. Please contact Dr. Corwin Booth (<chbooth AT lbl DOT gov>) if you have any further questions.

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Physics Department, Yeshiva University posted July 16, 2009

In September 2009, Prof. Anatoly Frenkel's group at the Physics Department of Yeshiva University in New York City will have an opening for a postdoctoral research associate position that will be funded for three years. PhD in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science is required. Additional requirement is hands-on experience with nanomaterial synthesis and in situ characterization techniques that include spectroscopy (XAFS, IR, Raman), x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy (HRTEM, HAADF-STEM, EELS). Prior experience with in situ catalyst characterization is a plus. The postdoc will support the ongoing nanomaterials research projects which include multi-technique, in situ characterization of nanoparticles, Quick XAFS experiments, development of new, combined catalysis characterization methods, and design of in situ reactor cells. He or she will be stationed at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and work closely with BNL departments (Chemistry and the Center for Functional Nanomaterials) as well as the outside collaborators which include University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and University of Pittsburgh. The research will be performed under the direction of Prof. Anatoly Frenkel (http://www.yu.edu/faculty/afrenkel) primarily at the Synchrotron Catalysis Consortium (http://www.yu.edu/scc) at the National Synchrotron Light Source. Applicants should forward cover letter and CV, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to Prof. Anatoly Frenkel at <anatoly DOT frenkel AT yu DOT edu>. Yeshiva University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Synchrotron Catalysis Consortium at Brookhaven National Laboratory posted July 16, 2009

In September 2009, Prof. Jingguang Chen's group at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the University of Delaware will have an opening for a postdoctoral research associate position. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of a second year upon mutual agreement and funding availability. The postdoc will be stationed at the National Synchrotron Light Source and help develop catalysis science program at the recently upgraded (for combined XAFS/XRD operations) beamline X18A. PhD in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science is required. Additional requirement is hands-on experience in developing synchrotron instrumentation for XAFS and XRD, relevant control systems and working knowledge of UNIX. Prior experience with catalysis research is a plus.

The postdoc will support and advance new catalysis user program at this beamline that currently includes combined (XAFS and XRD) characterization of nanocatalysts under reaction conditions. The postdoc will participate in the ongoing upgrade of the beamline to perform Quick XAFS experiments, and in design of the in situ and operando reactor cells. Opportunities to run an independent research program in collaboration with the beamline users will be available. He or she will be stationed in Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and work closely with BNL departments (Chemistry and the Center for Functional Nanomaterials). The research will be performed at the Synchrotron Catalysis Consortium (http://www.yu.edu/scc) at the National Synchrotron Light Source under the direction of Prof. Anatoly Frenkel. Applicants should forward cover letter and CV, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to Prof. Jingguang Chen at <jgchen AT udel DOT edu>

Post Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Earth Sciences St. Francis Xavier University posted July 16, 2009

The Hydrothermal Research Laboratory at St. Francis Xavier University has an opening for a postdoctoral position starting Jan 2010. The selected candidate will collaborate with scientists to describe solvent/solute structure in fluids under extreme conditions, and to determine the solubility of various transition metal oxides in supercritical water. The candidate will contribute to molecular-level studies of solute/solvent interactions, clustering, ion-pair formation, and hydrogen bonding occurring under extremes of temperature, concentration and pH. The primary spectroscopic technique involves x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, coupled with theoretical methods such as molecular dynamics calculations in order to test and refine structural models of these systems. A primary responsibility of the candidate will be the application of x-ray absorption (XAFS) spectroscopy to in situ studies of solute/solvent structure under extreme conditions. Knowledge of XAFS techniques is desired spanning the range from spectral acquisition to data reduction. This research is aimed primarily at understanding supercritical water chemistry in Generation IV CANDU reactors and natural hydrothermal systems.

Candidates must have received a PhD in Physical Chemistry, Chemical or Experimental Physics, Inorganic Chemistry, or Geochemistry within the past five years from an accredited college or university.

The ideal candidate must be self-motivated and have the ability to work independently. Meeting attendance and preparation of publications is expected. Specific experience with XAFS data analysis programs is desired. This is a limited term employment position with a two-year appointment.

For more information please contact Prof. Alan J. Anderson <aanderso AT stfx DOT ca>

Tel: 902-867-2309

Postdoctoral Research Associate at CARS / University of Chicago posted 3 June, 2009

The Center for Advanced Radiation Sources (CARS) at the University of Chicago is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to work with GeoSoilEnviroCARS in the area of the structures and properties of mineral surfaces in the presence of water. The program is focused on studying mineral/water interfaces at the atomic scale using third generation synchrotron radiation. Applicants with experience in synchrotron radiation techniques and/or surface diffraction methods are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate is expected to conduct research, develop techniques and instrumentation, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and collaborate with and assist users at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). Experience in the following areas is also desirable: crystallography, instrument design and control, and software development. A recent Ph.D (within the previous four years) in earth science, environmental science, physics, chemistry, or a related field and the ability to satisfy DOE requirements for access to Argonne National Laboratory is required. The position will be for two years with possible renewal for an additional year and is available starting summer of 2009.

Qualified candidates should send by email attachment a curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, publication list and email addresses for three references to Dr. Peter J. Eng (<eng AT cars DOT uchicago DOT edu>) and Dr. Stephen Sutton (<sutton AT cars DOT uchicago DOT edu>). Review of materials will begin immediately and applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Post-doctoral fellowship at The Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (Dijon, France) posted 12 May, 2009

The Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (Dijon, France) is seeking a motivated candidate for a one-year funded (2050 €/month) postdoctoral position with a strong background in X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS).

In collaboration with scientists at ESRF, the successful candidate will be involved in the interpretation of XANES and EXAFS data in order to unravel the speciation of U(VI) and Pu(IV) in solutions containing either environmentally-relevant or biological well-defined organic ligands.

The following points are considered mandatory:

• The applicant should have a well-established experience in X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
• The applicant should hold a Ph.D. for less than 5 years.
• Only candidates that have never been employed in France are eligible.
• The candidate should take the position before October 1st.

Additional Information can be found at http://www.icmub.fr/

Please send your application including a CV, list of publications and at least 3 references to Dr. Michel MEYER. <mmeyer AT u DASH bourgogne DOT fr>

Doctoral Student Position at The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ) posted 16 February, 2009

The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ) invite applications for a job opening at the research assistant/Ph.D. level in the following project:

Quantitative micro-imaging of trace elements in heterogeneous systems

. As part of PSI, the microXAS beamline project at the Swiss Light Source (SLS) is developing and operating a x-ray microprobe facility dedicated to spatially resolved investigations of materials, biological matter, and chemical environments using hard rays. In close cooperation with the research group of Trace Element and Micro Analysis at the Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, the successful candidate will actively participate in the development of analytical techniques and methods allowing new insights and improved understanding of micro-scale characterization of natural rocks and its effect on the diffusive transport of trace elements in geo-materials.

• The work involves the application of state-of-the-art micro-analytical instrumentation (micro laser ablation mass spectrometry, micro-X-ray spectrometry), combined with laboratory- and field-scale diffusion measurements. The scientific contribution is expected to yield improved fundamental knowledge towards quantitative micro-imaging of trace elements within heterogeneous systems.
  The experimental research will be carried out at both institutions PSI and ETHZ Hoenggerberg. For the academic education the candidate will follow courses at the ETHZ doctoral school. The successful candidate will receive his/her PhD degree at the ETHZ (principle supervisor: Prof. Dr. D. Günther, ETHZ).
  For further information please contact: Dr. Daniel Grolimund, Phone +41 (0)56 310 47 82, <daniel DOT grolimund AT psi DOT ch>

• Postings more than one year old