"Postdoctoral Associate, Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture"

Yale University: Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture

Location

New Haven, CT

Open Date

Dec 12, 2025

Deadline

Dec 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description

The Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC) and Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences (EPS) invite applicants for multiple full-time Postdoctoral Associate positions. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with start dates on or after January 15, 2026.

These positions will focus on the demonstration, implementation, and scaling of geochemical carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions, including enhanced weathering (terrestrial and coastal) and blue carbon ocean alkalinity enhancement (“Blue Carbon OAE”).

Postdoctoral Associates at Yale are appointed for 12-month terms, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and available funding. Successful candidates will join research teams led by Professors Noah Planavsky and Pete Raymond.

YCNCC Postdoctoral Associates will be provided a stipend based on the current Yale postdoctoral salary scale (currently $68,500/year), with exceptional candidates potentially qualifying for an increased stipend. The positions will be eligible for standard Yale benefits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, conduct, and analyze field and/or modeling studies related to geochemical CDR.
• Quantify weathering rates, carbon fluxes, and geochemical transformations across relevant environmental settings.
• Integrate observational data with geochemical, reactive-transport, or Earth-system models.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers across YCNCC and external project partners to lead large-scale field trials and engagement with commercial deployments.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, white papers, and other scientific communications; and present results at scientific meetings.
• Contribute to proposal development and project reporting.
• Additional responsibilities include the possibility of travel to field sites, and to conferences and workshops to present research.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Earth & Planetary Sciences, Geochemistry, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. (Exceptional candidates without a Ph.D. will also be considered.)
• Strong background in geochemistry, enhanced weathering, carbon cycles, or related CDR-relevant processes.
• Experience with laboratory analyses (e.g., ICP-MS/OES, XRD, isotope geochemistry), fieldwork, or geochemical modeling tools (e.g., PHREEQC, CrunchFlow, reactive-transport models).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary environments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with a record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Clear understanding of charge balance.

Application Instructions

A complete application includes:

• Full CV, including a complete bibliography
• Cover letter describing research experience and interests related to geochemical CDR
• Two letters of recommendation
• Documents to at least one, and up to three, relevant peer-reviewed publications (or pre-prints).

Applications should be submitted via Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/178984. For information regarding the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, visit http://earth.yale.edu. For information regarding the YCNCC, visit https://naturalcarboncapture.yale.edu/. Questions regarding the application process can be addressed to ycncc@yale.edu.