Research Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellowship)

Description of the Research Opportunity: The proposed project would use some combination of geochemical (including stable or radiogenic isotopes), petrology, and petrography to address the evolution of and controls on mineral resources. The proposed research may directly address one or more fundamental questions that include, but are not limited to: What is the age of critical mineral resource formation in southwest Alaska? How are the mineral resources related in time or space to igneous systems, and how are they distributed on the landscape? What, if any, role does the basement terrane play in critical mineral resource potential in a deposit? What are potential linkages between crustal architecture, magmatic composition, and critical mineral endowment of mineral systems in southwest Alaska? What potential fluids are responsible for critical mineral enrichment in mineral deposits? How can we better predict critical mineral enrichments as co- and by-products? These questions require a better and more integrated understanding of the framework geology and mineral resources. The ideal proposal would investigate a combination of topical and framework processes to evaluate the role of regional geologic components to critical mineral formation in ore deposits. Understanding features from the deposit to regional scale are critical in the ability to integrate ore deposit genesis to mineral system mappable criteria. The USGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program provides highly motivated recent Ph.D. graduates with the opportunity to conduct concentrated research in association with selected USGS Scientists, as a final element to their formal career preparation. Selectees will utilize the excellent scientific resources available at the USGS in the conduct of scientific investigations and exploratory development associated with advanced scientific research. This program will provide selectees the opportunity to contribute to the overall research efforts of the USGS and in turn they will gain excellent professional research experience early in their careers. Appointments under the USGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program will be made under the Schedule A, 213.3102 (r) excepted appointing authority for a minimum period of 13 months and may be extended up to a maximum period of 4 years. In order to be considered for these opportunities, candidates must: (1) have successfully completed a Ph.D. in a field related to the Research Description no earlier than 7/03/2021; OR (2) if close to completion, have all Ph.D. requirements completed and must submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date; (3) meet the qualification requirements described in the Research Opportunity. The research proposal submitted must demonstrate that the applicant is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties for the specific Research Opportunity. Areas of PhD: Geology, Geochemistry, Economic Geology or related fields. Candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines, but with extensive knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered. BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Geologist, all grade levels. A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in geology. In addition to the geology course work included in the degree, it must also have included or been supplemented by 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography; OR B. A combination of education and experience-course work as shown in "A" above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in geology plus 20 additional semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of courses as specified in "A" above), plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years. The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to that acquired through successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE) Examples of such experience could include planning and executing complex geologic studies, which usually involved intensive investigations into recognized phenomena. This work typically involved conventional methods & techniques though it required going beyond clear precedents and required adapting methods to the problems at hand and interpreting findings in terms of their scientific significance. At this level, Geologists have a very good knowledge of the principles of geology and their application, and the ability to independently perform scientific work of considerable difficulty. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement. NOTICE TO NON-CITIZENS Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. A Federal agency is permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position, AND the non-citizen meets the appropriation act and immigration laws. Read the information provided in the following link. If a non-citizen does not meet the appropriation act and immigration laws, then they cannot be considered for this Mendenhall Opportunity. Please contact the person under Agency Contact Information for questions about eligibility and further assistance. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/.