"Postdoctoral Associate - Earth Environmental Planetary Sciences"

Job Details

Position Summary

The Rice Astromaterials Research and Exploration Laboratory (RARE Lab) in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences is looking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the field of cosmochemistry and geochronology. The RARE Lab is composed of a metal-free clean lab (under construction), a microscopy lab (JEOL IT200-LA SEM and Keyence VHX-1 digital microscope), a mass spectrometry lab (LA-MC-ICP-MS with a mass prefilter and a collision reaction cell) (under construction), and an astromaterials storage room (under construction).

The NASA-funded project aims to develop next-generation radiometric dating methods by LA-MC-ICP-MS for lunar samples. This project aims to use a state-of-the-art MC-ICP-MS (with a mass prefilter and a collision reaction cell) connected with a laser ablation system to develop in situ radiometric dating techniques for NASA’s future lunar returned samples. The RARE lab will be fully equipped with multiple microscopic imaging and analytical systems (by the summer of 2026) to support research development. The candidate will work with a dedicated lab manager and a PhD student to accomplish this project. We are a dynamic research group with multidisciplinary expertise and backgrounds in geochronology, analytical chemistry, astrophysics, petrology, meteoritics, lunar science, geology, and data analysis. Collaborative opportunities are always available, and participation is highly encouraged.

We seek a highly motivated individual with a strong background in geochronology, geochemistry, and ICP-MS instrumentation to join the RARE Lab. The primary responsibilities are to develop analytical techniques for laser probe-based radiometric dating, search for and create reference materials, and develop data reduction schemes.

The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal on an annual basis for up to a total of three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance reviews. The proposed start date is May 1, 2026 (negotiable).

The associate will receive:

• $60,000 plus benefits (retirement benefits, healthcare and paid time-off)
• Opportunities to work on the coolest rocks (both Apollo samples and NASA’s future lunar returned samples)
• Opportunities to develop the cutting-edge isotope analytical techniques
• Relocation reimbursement up to $1,500 with itemized receipts required
• Funds for attending at least one conference per year
• An office desktop with necessary software
• Mentorship and leadership training to prepare as an independent researcher
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary research opportunities at Rice University and in Greater Houston

Instructions to applicants:

To apply, please submit a letter of interest, your CV, and the names and contact information for three references through the Rice University job posting by January 4, 2026. To be considered as a candidate, you must submit an application via the Rice job posting, please do not send application materials via email. Evaluation of applications will start after the date. For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Bidong Zhang (bidong@rice.edu).

Workplace Requirements: This is an in-person position at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Additionally, this position is funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in geology, geochemistry, planetary science, chemistry or related field

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation skills
• Organization and time management skills
• Knowledge of geo-/cosmochemical research methods, data collection, and analyses
• Ability to write scholarly papers to publish them in journals
• Able to work in a collaborative environment
• Able to work independently and professionally with minimal supervision and direction

Preferences

• Preference will be given to those who have experience in isotope-ratio mass spectrometry and/or extraterrestrial material research

Essential Functions

• Develops radiometric dating techniques using LA-MC-ICP-MS
• Compiles and reduces data
• Publishes results in peer-reviewed journals
• Mentors, oversees, and/or trains junior research team members
• Presents findings at conferences
• Supports lab management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
• Performs other duties as assigned