Postdoc Research Associate

Job Overview

Conduct focused research into fundamental scientific problems related to gemology, involving diamonds, colored stones, pearls, and instrument development.

• Primarily conduct focused research into fundamental scientific problems related to mineralogy, crystallography, geochemistry and gemology of diamonds; various type of colored gem stones (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.
• Presentation and publication of research results in international conference and academic journals, internally and externally
• Performs analysis utilizing spectrometers, chemical analysis, X-ray imaging systems, and other research tools.
• Additional daily activities may involve assisting with data collection and interpretation
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned or required

• Ability to communicate with scientific staff and prepare written scientific articles for publication in English
• Willingness to travel as needed domestically or internationally as needed are strongly desired
• 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 are strongly desired

• Ph.D. in scientific field from accredited college or university, preferably within the last 3 years
• Relevant proposal for research work

• Work is performed in a designated professional laboratory workstation and environment.
• Extensive use of various laboratory equipment to include computer, spectrometers, chemical analysis, X-ray imaging systems, and other research tools.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Employee may be required, from time to time, to work overtime.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request, to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, as required by law.

All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.