Postdoc Research Associate

Job Description
: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) invites qualified candidates to apply for the Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at its Carlsbad, California, and New York City locations. The one-to-two-year fellowships encourage early career scientists to pursue full-time academic research into fundamental scientific problems in gemstone geology, defect physics, diamond synthesis, and other fields related to gemology – the study of diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, and their treatments.

In-house research tools include FTIR, UV-Vis-NIR absorption, Raman, photoluminescence, and EPR spectrometers, an SEM microscope equipped with EDS and CL spectroscopy and imaging, laser ablation ICP-MS, and a CVD diamond growth lab with laser cutting and polishing facilities. Fellows are expected to conduct creative, independent, publishable research and collaborate with GIA scientists as well as outside research institutions and universities.

The fellowship includes a competitive annual stipend ($73,000+), research funding, and approved travel subsidies. Benefits include full health, dental and vision insurance, and the potential reimbursement of relocation expenses. Appointments are for one year and may be extended for a second based on mutual agreement.

The start date of each fellowship is flexible. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date, and preferably within the last three years. Effective oral and written English skills and the ability to publish high-level scientific articles are required. Candidates should be willing to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Primarily conduct focused research into fundamental scientific problems related to mineralogy, crystallography, geochemistry and gemology of diamonds; various types of colored gemstones (corundum, beryl, spinel, garnet, quartz); pearls; and possibly related gem-instrument development. Diamond research includes fundamental scientific problems in diamond geology, diamond physics, and synthetic diamond growth mechanisms, and other scientific problems related to gemology. The specific focus of the research will depend on the applicant’s interests, expertise, and the needs of GIA research and the laboratory.

• Performs analysis utilizing spectrometers, chemical analysis, X-ray imaging systems, and other research tools.
• Presentation and publication of research results in international conferences and academic journals, internally and externally.
• Additional daily activities may involve assisting with data collection and interpretation.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.
• Technical
  
  Competencies:
  
  Ability to communicate with scientific staff and prepare written scientific articles for publication in English.
• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally as needed.
• Through agreement between the business and the candidate, this position may be based in either New York or Carlsbad.

• Ph.D. in a scientific field from an accredited institution, preferably within the last 3 years.
• Relevant proposal for research work.
• Effective communication in English with scientific and production staff.
• The ability to prepare written scientific articles for publication, and a willingness to travel domestically or internationally as needed.

Applications must include:

• Curriculum vitae with a publications list.
• A three-to-five-page research proposal.
• At least two letters of reference.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. For more information about the application process, the Liddicoat Postdoctoral Fellowships, GIA’s facilities, and current and past research areas visit GIA.edu/research-careers. All applications will be reviewed after this deadline date. Applicants moving forward in the interview process will receive an update regarding their application by the end of April 2026.

You will need to submit the following information below in order to be considered:

• Curriculum vitae with a publications list.
• Three-to-five-page research proposal. The proposal submitted…