News Postdoctoral position in Mineral Physics

The Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at the California Institute of Technology invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate in the mineral physics group.

Applicants with an interest in the material properties of Earth and planetary phases as they pertain to problems in mineral physics, geophysics, and geochemistry are encouraged to apply. Experience in high-pressure experimental techniques, x-ray synchrotron-based research, spectroscopy, and diffraction are desirable.

The position will involve participating in establishing the optical spectroscopy and laser-heating laboratory for in-house diamond-anvil studies under extreme pressures and temperatures. Research opportunities include, but are not limited to, topics related to the composition of Earth and other planetary interiors through optical and x-ray synchrotron-based experiments under extreme conditions. A recent Ph.D. in geology or a related discipline is required.

Opportunities for collaboration within the division include: seismology, petrology, geochemistry, geodynamics, and planetary geology.

Other experimental facilities within the division include: muffle furnaces, piston-cylinders, cold-seal pressure vessels, Getting-design cubic multianvil device, Walker-design octahedral multianvil device, and the Caltech shockwave laboratory. Analytical facilities within the division include a new Cameca 50L NanoSIMS, a new JEOL 8900 electron microprobe, a 7f-geo ion microprobe, a field-emission scanning electron microscope, single and multicollector solution ICP-MS, gas source mass spectrometry, TIMS, FTIR system, and a micro Raman spectrometer. Campus-wide facilities include: focused ion-beam technology, powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and TEM.

Please visit the GPS Division website for more details: www.gps.caltech.edu.

The position is available as of January 1, 2007. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. For additional information, please contact Jennifer Jackson, jackson@gps.caltech.edu

Applicants should send a CV, a brief statement of research interests and experience, and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent electronically to Prof. Jackson at marcia@gps.caltech.edu