Intern - Environmental Geochemistry Research

Working

Job Title:

Intern - Environmental Geochemistry Research I

Employment Duration: 6 months

Hiring Manager:
Vincent Noel

Hiring Department: SSRL Imaging

Intern Level: Level II/III

Position Overview:

The Environmental Geochemistry program at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) is conducting research to understand the mineralogical, elemental, and hydrological processes controlling the behavior of elements in complex environmental systems. This internship will provide hands‑on experience in laboratory environmental geochemistry, synchrotron‑based characterization, reactive‑transport experiments, and particle‑separation method development. The intern will contribute to three complementary research activities: (1) elemental, mineralogical, and total organic carbon characterization of environmental soil samples using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and an Elemental Analyzer (EA);

(2) support of laboratory column experiments investigating groundwater flow and geochemical processes; and (3) development and validation of a physical separation workflow for biogenic iron sulfide particles and sulfate‑reducing bacteria in produced‑water samples. The position will involve environmental sample preparation, support of experimental activities, X‑ray measurements, quantitative data processing using established analytical workflows, and documentation of experimental results.

Your specific responsibilities include:

· Prepare and characterize environmental soil samples using bulk XRF, XRD, and an Elemental Analyzer (EA) for total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, including assisting with the development and testing of sample holders for high‑throughput XRF measurements at SSRL beamlines.

· Process XRF, XRD, and TOC datasets using established analytical workflows, including elemental quantification using SMAK and identification of mineral phases from XRD patterns under the guidance of research staff.

· Assist with reactive‑transport column experiments, including column saturation, preparation of synthetic groundwater, operation of peristaltic pumps, Rhizon porewater sampling, collection of downstream effluent, and preparation of aqueous samples for ICP analysis.

· Assist with the testing and evaluation of preprocessing methods for separating biogenic FeS particles from sulfate‑reducing bacteria in produced‑water samples, including membrane filtration, particle‑dispersion approaches, and measurements related to FeS aggregation and separation efficiency.

· Prepare synthetic and process authentic environmental water samples under controlled laboratory conditions, including anoxic sample handling when required, following established protocols and appropriate supervision.

· Organize and process experimental datasets and maintain accurate laboratory records and technical documentation

Opportunities and Benefits:

· Gain hands‑on experience in environmental geochemistry research combining laboratory experiments, environmental sample characterization, and synchrotron‑based analytical techniques.

· Gain practical experience with X‑ray fluorescence (XRF), X‑ray diffraction (XRD), and Elemental Analyzer measurements for total organic carbon (TOC), including sample preparation, measurements, data processing, and interpretation.

· Gain experience supporting, operating, and evaluating laboratory experiments involving soil, groundwater, porewater, mineral particles, and reactive‑transport systems.

· Opportunity to become more closely connected to the Stanford/SLAC scientific community and collaborate with scientists, students, and technical staff from multiple disciplines.

· Opportunity to work at a national laboratory and synchrotron user facility and gain exposure to advanced analytical…