Post Doctoral Fellow - NSF Critical Mineral Engine

The Geophysical Institute is a research-focused organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers a competitive work environment with strong benefits, including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute values collaboration, accountability, and the exchange of ideas. We foster a professional and respectful environment dedicated to serving Alaska through applied science.

Career growth and professional development are supported and encouraged.

As a public, regional, comprehensive university, UAF welcomes applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

This position is funded through the NSF Engines:
Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska, supported by the U.S. The National Science Foundation. The aim of this fellowship is to assist Dr. Nathan Graham and Dr. Sean Regan in the study of critical mineral system petrogenesis using Electron Probe Micro Analysis (EPMA). The immediate study will focus on characterizing existing deposits for critical mineral resources and optimizing mineral streams for recovery.

This will include the characterization and interpretation of critical mineral petrogenesis from a broad spectrum of resources ranging from existing feed stocks to exploratory sites. However, other research questions will also be pursued, including optimization of EPMA analyses for a wide range of mineral species and elements. Fellows will be encouraged to pursue their own research questions as well.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will advance applied research for the NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska, working with university, industry, and community partners to address barriers across the critical minerals value chain. The position will help translate research into practical technologies, partnerships, and economic opportunities for Alaska.

To thrive in this role, the Postdoctoral Researcher will bring scientific curiosity, sound research judgment, and a collaborative approach to working with industry and university partners. They will be comfortable pursuing rigorous research while keeping practical applications and Alaska’s economic opportunities in view.

PhD in geology, geophysics, geological engineering, materials science, mineral processing, or a closely related field relevant to the assigned research. The degree must be completed by the time of appointment.

• Demonstrated expertise in critical mineral systems and micro to nanoscale mineral par agenesis.
• Coding capabilities in Python, R, and MATLAB are favorable.
• Demonstrate active research that involves critical mineral petrogenesis and geochronology of complex systems.
• Demonstrated interest and familiarity with X-Ray techniques, including EPMA.

This position is full-time, term-funded, exempt, 9 + 3-month position complete with a competitive salary and UA employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental, and vision care coverage.

We review applications on a rolling basis. Because we may close the posting once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates is established, we encourage early submission. Please note that once a viable pool is identified, further applications may not be reviewed.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

This position will be physically located at the UAF campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. The successful finalist will be expected to report to duty at the UAF office on the first day of employment.

This position is term-funded and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at ua-ada.

The University of Alaska is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination against individuals on the basis of any…