Dear colleagues,

We are looking for one or two Mineral physics postdoctoral research associates to join the research group of Feiwu Zhang and Joshua Muir located at the Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGCAS) in Guiyang China.  This researcher would be required to investigate various problems of the deep Earth using atomistic simulations.  Our current research is diverse and includes the simulation of the elastic effects of volatiles in the mantle and light elements in the core, the thermodynamic effect of heterogeneities on lower mantle mixing, the simulation of grain boundaries for the partitioning of light elements and the formation of critical ores.

The candidates are expected to either join our ongoing projects or to develop, with our support, their own field of interest related to theoretical calculations in the fields of Planetary Sciences, Mineral and Rock Physics, Critical Elements, Studies of the Earth's Interior, materials under extreme conditions and/or Geochemistry.   They will work in a dynamic team of staff scientists at IGCAS and have the opportunity for collaborations with various local experimental and computational groups.  We have major projects undergoing and can discuss with the candidate which of these will be most targeted to their skills and interests.  This, however, is a flexible role and we strongly encourage those with independent research ideas, strong motivation and passion (related in some way to simulations of the Earth and the Planet) to apply as we can provide space to pursue your research goals.  This is a good opportunity for young scientists to develop their own research portfolio in their fields of interest with institutional support and there are numerous opportunities for advancement and long term positions if desired.

IGCAS is a research institute in Guiyang China and is part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.  It consists of about 400 regular staff members including three CAS Academicians.  There are four research divisions in IGCAS: State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Laboratory for High Temperature and High Pressure Study of the Earth's Interior, and Lunar and Planetary Science Research Center and cooperative research amongst division is strongly encouraged.

Guiyang is the capital of Guizhou province of Southwest China.  Nicknamed “the forest city” Guiyang is situated in ideal surroundings of forests and mountains with dramatic karst landscapes.  The humid subtropical climate and high air quality means it is an important ecological and tourist city for China and recent investments in big data and computing have turned it into a local innovation hub.  It is a city that is rapidly developing with new infrastructure like a brand new subway and it is linked to major cities like Guangzhou and Chengdu by the modern high speed train network.

  Requirements:

  PhD in geophysics/chemistry/physics or related field- either awarded or soon to be awarded

  Useful skills:

　 A strong background in atomistic simulations – in particular DFT codes and processing data

　 Strong understanding of thermodynamics

　 Good understanding of the physics of the mantle and the core

  Proficiency in Chinese is not required

  All nationalities are encouraged to apply

Initial contracts will be 3 years with opportunities for extension for talented candidates.  Please send informal enquiries or applications including a CV, cover letter (including a statement of research interests and contact details for references to both [email protected] and [email protected]

Review of applications will begin immediately until the positions are filled. Starting dates would be as soon as possible. The successful candidate will be offered a very high competitive package, commensurate with qualifications and experience.