Theoretical Mineral Physics Postdoctoral Position Available at Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, at Guiyang, China

We are looking for one or two 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 postdoctoral researchers are expected to either join these ongoing projects or to develop, with our support, their own field of interest related to ab initio calculations in the fields of Planetary Sciences, Mineral and Rock Physics, 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.  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.

IGCAS has founded the Society of Chinese Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry, one of the first-tier academic societies in China, which facilitates excellent academic exchanges and collaborations between IGCAS and other organizations both at home and abroad.

IGCAS 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.

Guiyang is the capital of Guizhou province of Southwest China. A city with humid subtropical climate, Guiyang is surrounded by mountains and forests. The moderate temperature together with other factors including air quality, wind speed, etc. has made Guiyang an important ecological leisure and tourism city in China. Recently, it has seen targeted investments into big data and quickly emerged as a local innovation hub.

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

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 at least 2 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 position is filled. Starting dates would be as soon as possible. The successful candidate will be offered a very highly competitive package, commensurate with qualifications and experience.