Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Environmental Geochemistry, Summer 2026

Job Details

Location: Orange, CA

Open Date: Jun 5, 2026

Description: The Kim Environmental Geochemistry (KEG) Lab in the Schmid College of Science and Technology of Chapman University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in Environmental Geochemistry to begin July 2026. This postdoctoral position is available immediately for one individual to join Dr. Christopher Kim’s research group to investigate the impact of trace metals on the environment, with a focus on trace metals in mine wastes, post-fire soils and nanoparticles.

Chapman University, located in the heart of Orange County, California, offers traditional undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences and select pre-professional and graduate programs. The university is a nationally ranked R2 research institution with a commitment to excellence through world-class research and innovative teaching. Science and engineering programs at Chapman are growing rapidly and are housed in the brand new Keck Center for Science and Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research and/or collaborate with ongoing lab projects, provide guidance and support to undergraduate students associated with the related projects, and document research activities and publish key findings in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals.
• Collect and work with spectroscopic and imaging synchrotron data, lead and teach groups of students on operation and data manipulation of synchrotron data.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers, engage in professional development activities, and participate in grant writing and teaching.
• Apply for government and private grants to obtain external research funding.
• Support the synthesis and publication of multiple manuscripts for various projects being conducted in the lab.

Qualifications

Required:

• A PhD awarded in a relevant STEM field. The doctorate must be awarded within the last five years.
• Demonstrated experience in synchrotron data analysis, understanding in bioaccessibility, and environmental geochemistry.
• Skills in SMAK, Larch, Sixpack, and Microsoft Office suite.

Preferred:

• A PhD awarded in ecology, environmental science, earth science, soil science, biogeochemistry or related field.
• An ability to work both collaboratively and autonomously, mentoring students of various levels.
• Experience working with long-term geochemical datasets.

We are especially interested in candidates who thrive in collaborative environments and value inclusive mentorship.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials via Interfolio:

• One page cover letter describing research experience and interests
• CV, including publication list
• Research statement
• Names and contact information for three references

Questions may be submitted to Dr. Christopher Kim (cskim@chapman.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Successful completion of a background check is required for the final candidate. The annual salary for this postdoctoral research fellow position is $73,000. This position is contingent on final budget approval.