Postdoctoral Research Associate

Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences

Full-Time

P20114

06/29/2020

Yes

The Torres laboratory is looking for a postdoctoral research associate to start in the Fall of 2020. The ideal candidate will spearhead collaborative research leading to the publication of peer-reviewed journal articles, assist with the writing of funding proposals, and contribute to graduate student training.
Potential research topics include floodplain hydrochemistry and sedimentology, clay mineral cycling, and the application of Time-of-Flight SIMS to the study of organic matter-mineral interactions. These, or other topics of mutual interest, can be approached using field work, laboratory experiments, numerical modeling, and/or meta-analysis. It is expected that applicants have some of the requisite expertise to complete their postdoctoral research (e.g., proficiency in analytical geochemistry, remote sensing, or computer modeling), but may develop new skill sets as part of their tenure.

This position will initially be for one year, but is renewable for an additional year pending satisfactory performance. To apply, please send a current C.V. and a 1-page statement describing your research interests and accomplishments.

For additional details, please see the Torres group website and/or send an email to Mark.Torres@rice.edu.

Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate

Geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry or closely related field

No experience required.

- Experience with geological field work with data collection
- Experience with chemical weathering and organic carbon cycling
- Experience with floodplain hydrochemistry, or Time-of-Flight SIMS
- Experience operating drones
- Experience driving large off road vehicles

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation skills
- Organization and time management skills for planning research excursions to remote locations for data collection
- Knowledge of modern research methods, data collection and analyses
- Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the analytical geochemistry, remote sensing, or computer modeling used in low-temperature geochemistry
- Ability to collect data in remote locations or in rough terrains (e.g., along rivers and streams)
- Familiarity with OSHA lab regulations, chemical wet lab safety protocols, and MSDS documents
- Knowledge of MS Office Suite
- Knowledge of scientific experimental and analytical techniques
- Ability to conduct sophisticated chemical analysis
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment
- Ability to work independently and professionally with minimal supervision and direction

- Able to work in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful due to interruptions that require good multi-tasking skills
- Ability to work effectively without close supervision
- Knowledge of institutional procurement processes
- Ability to assist with teaching when requested

- Able to work in a laboratory environment and/or chemical wet lab for long periods of time (up to eight hours per day)
- Work and walk in varied and most weather conditions and backpacking long distances to a research site carrying small field equipment and necessities
- Able to lift up to 15 pounds

- May be required to work in a fume hood
- Travel to remote international locations for field work and data collection
- May require long hours and availability outside normal working hours depending on experiments and/or work on major projects, or research needs
- Punctuality and regular attendance expected
- Smoke free environment

As defined under the Texas Education Code and Rice Policy No. 425, this position is security sensitive and employment in this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Position is not considered essential during a campus emergency.

Serves as a representative of the University, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Rice community and with the public.

http://jobs.rice.edu/postings/23764

- Works with trace elements, isotope proxies for weathering and organic carbon cycling
- Performs analysis on chemical weathering and organic carbon cycling across a range of spatial and temporal scales
- Conducts field work, sets up experiments, collects data, analyzes collected samples and interprets data using numerical models
- Performs analysis and uses a ToF (SIMS) or other complex chemical analytical equipment; documents, analyzes, and maintains research data
- Mentors, oversees, and/or trains junior research team members
- Publishes and presents research findings; writes, composes, creates presentations; assists with editing research papers, paper development, and research proposal development
- Supports project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
- Designs and implements research protocols; adapts new procedures, methods or instrumentation relative to research procedures
- Participates in the research activities of their advisor’s group and with other faculty members in the department
- Conducts faculty directed and independent research, including designing and conducting scientific research experiments, preparing samples, analyzing and interpreting experimental results and suggesting new experiments
- Provides academic services (i.e., teaching classes) to the department as required
- Performs all other duties as assigned