Research Opportunities for Postdocs and Visitors
✦ Fall colors at the Broad Branch Road campus of Carnegie's Earth and Planets Laboratory (EPL) in residential northwest Washington, DC.
Postdoctoral Fellowships in astronomy, cosmochemistry, data science, geodynamics, experimental petrology, geobiology, geochemistry, geophysics, mineral physics, planetary science and volcanology
Postdoctoral Fellowships in astronomy, cosmochemistry, data science, geodynamics, experimental petrology, geobiology, geochemistry, geophysics, mineral physics, planetary science and volcanology
The Earth and Planets Laboratory (EPL), a division of the Carnegie Institution for Science, invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships at its campus in Washington, DC. Multiple positions are available. EPL scientists engage in observational, experimental and theoretical research in fields including astronomy, cosmochemistry, data science, experimental petrology, geobiology, geochemistry, geodynamics, geophysics, mineral physics, planetary science, physics and chemistry of materials, and volcanology. An applicant's primary field of research should overlap with one or more of these areas. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration with multiple research areas on campus is encouraged. New fellows will join a supportive community of about 25 postdoctoral scientists and 30 staff and research scientists engaged in understanding the origin and evolution of Earth and planets and materials under extreme conditions.
The Earth and Planets Laboratory (EPL), a division of the Carnegie Institution for Science, invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships at its campus in Washington, DC. Multiple positions are available. EPL scientists engage in observational, experimental and theoretical research in fields including astronomy, cosmochemistry, data science, experimental petrology, geobiology, geochemistry, geodynamics, geophysics, mineral physics, planetary science, physics and chemistry of materials, and volcanology. An applicant's primary field of research should overlap with one or more of these areas. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration with multiple research areas on campus is encouraged. New fellows will join a supportive community of about 25 postdoctoral scientists and 30 staff and research scientists engaged in understanding the origin and evolution of Earth and planets and materials under extreme conditions.
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More information about our campus-wide research and facilities can be seen here. Instrumentation specific to geochemistry and cosmochemistry is listed below. A description of the Geochemistry/Cosmochemistry Group is here.
More information about our campus-wide research and facilities can be seen here. Instrumentation specific to geochemistry and cosmochemistry is listed below. A description of the Geochemistry/Cosmochemistry Group is here.
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Learn about the amazing science our predecessors have carried out on the Broad Branch Road campus in this short video: A History of Carnegie's Broad Branch Road Campus.
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Our postdoctoral fellows have access to: world-class laboratory facilities in analytical geochemistry and cosmochemistry, high-pressure research, materials spectroscopy, and astrobiology; Carnegie’s Las Campanas Observatory in Chile for astronomical observations; and state-of-the-art computational facilities to support theoretical and data-analytic investigations. Funding is available for travel to scientific conferences and observation sites, as well as publications. At EPL, we value a culture of mentoring and offer professional development opportunities specifically for post-doctoral scientists. The Carnegie Institution strives to enable a scientifically excellent, equitable, and inclusive community, and therefore aims for diverse groups of people to collaborate and thrive at Carnegie. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with a variety of viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together.
Our postdoctoral fellows have access to: world-class laboratory facilities in analytical geochemistry and cosmochemistry, high-pressure research, materials spectroscopy, and astrobiology; Carnegie’s Las Campanas Observatory in Chile for astronomical observations; and state-of-the-art computational facilities to support theoretical and data-analytic investigations. Funding is available for travel to scientific conferences and observation sites, as well as publications. At EPL, we value a culture of mentoring and offer professional development opportunities specifically for post-doctoral scientists. The Carnegie Institution strives to enable a scientifically excellent, equitable, and inclusive community, and therefore aims for diverse groups of people to collaborate and thrive at Carnegie. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with a variety of viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together.
Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded once a year. The Fellowship is initially for one year but is typically renewed for up to a total of 3 years for astronomy applicants and 2 years for other fields. The positions allow start dates between July 1 and December 31, 2023. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field at the time of the start of the fellowship. The principal selection criteria will be research accomplishment, promise of future achievement, originality and achievability of the research proposal, independence, and relevance to the ongoing scientific pursuits at EPL.
Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded once a year. The Fellowship is initially for one year but is typically renewed for up to a total of 3 years for astronomy applicants and 2 years for other fields. The positions allow start dates between July 1 and December 31, 2023. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field at the time of the start of the fellowship. The principal selection criteria will be research accomplishment, promise of future achievement, originality and achievability of the research proposal, independence, and relevance to the ongoing scientific pursuits at EPL.
Only completed applications for a Carnegie fellowship submitted through this website by clicking on the Apply Now button below will be considered and must include (in PDF format): 1) a cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) list of publications; 4) a brief description of previous research (3 pages max, inclusive of figures and references); 5) a research proposal (4 pages max, all inclusive), and 6) contact information for three references familiar with the applicant’s work and willing to provide letters of support. Applicants may use the cover letter to describe, in under one page, their prior, ongoing, and/or new ideas for efforts to create an equitable, positive, and inclusive working environment. The deadline for application materials is November 1, 2024. Reference letters must be submitted online by November 1, 2024; instructions for how your references should submit these letters will be provided to you after you submit the application form. Please address any questions to eplfellowship@carnegiescience.edu or to me directly at sshirey@carnegiescience.edu.
Only completed applications for a Carnegie fellowship submitted through this website by clicking on the Apply Now button below will be considered and must include (in PDF format): 1) a cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) list of publications; 4) a brief description of previous research (3 pages max, inclusive of figures and references); 5) a research proposal (4 pages max, all inclusive), and 6) contact information for three references familiar with the applicant’s work and willing to provide letters of support. Applicants may use the cover letter to describe, in under one page, their prior, ongoing, and/or new ideas for efforts to create an equitable, positive, and inclusive working environment. The deadline for application materials is November 1, 2024. Reference letters must be submitted online by November 1, 2024; instructions for how your references should submit these letters will be provided to you after you submit the application form. Please address any questions to eplfellowship@carnegiescience.edu or to me directly at sshirey@carnegiescience.edu.
We encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply. The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status. Candidates of any nationality are eligible to apply. Contact us if you would like more information on how we help with visas. Postdoctoral fellows are employees and receive benefits associated with employment. The Carnegie Institution strives to enable a scientifically excellent, equitable, and inclusive community, and therefore aims for diverse groups of people to collaborate and thrive at Carnegie. Applicants may use a cover letter to describe how they have contributed to such community characteristics in previous positions, and how those contributions have been informed by their life experiences. We encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply. The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status.
We encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply. The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status. Candidates of any nationality are eligible to apply. Contact us if you would like more information on how we help with visas. Postdoctoral fellows are employees and receive benefits associated with employment. The Carnegie Institution strives to enable a scientifically excellent, equitable, and inclusive community, and therefore aims for diverse groups of people to collaborate and thrive at Carnegie. Applicants may use a cover letter to describe how they have contributed to such community characteristics in previous positions, and how those contributions have been informed by their life experiences. We encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply. The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status.
Visitors to the Geochemistry/Cosmochemistry Group
Visitors to the Geochemistry/Cosmochemistry Group
The Geochemistry/Cosmochemistry Group (see detailed description here) is known for hosting a wide range of visitors in addition to its postdoctoral fellows. These visitors can range from student interns (normally high school or college students) to graduate students and former postdocs who are now early career scientists. These visitors come to campus to finish studies or analyses in the lab or to finalize papers. For these types of visitors, it is necessary to make a visiting investigator application by filling out a Non-Employee Visitor Application Form. Contact a staff scientist directly about the possibility for such visits.
The Geochemistry/Cosmochemistry Group (see detailed description here) is known for hosting a wide range of visitors in addition to its postdoctoral fellows. These visitors can range from student interns (normally high school or college students) to graduate students and former postdocs who are now early career scientists. These visitors come to campus to finish studies or analyses in the lab or to finalize papers. For these types of visitors, it is necessary to make a visiting investigator application by filling out a Non-Employee Visitor Application Form. Contact a staff scientist directly about the possibility for such visits.
Global Visitors Fellowship
Global Visitors Fellowship
Overview: The goal of this program is to bring distinguished researchers from around the globe to the Earth & Planets Laboratory to enhance our intellectual environment and research activity through collaboration, scholarship, and fellowship. Senior scientists are welcome for short stays of a month or more to intellectually contribute to campus life: giving a named lecture and/or other seminars, mentoring, sharing research ideas, or using our facilities. They are perfect for portions of a sabbatical or for writing, and when not teaching at the home institution. Awards will be made based on brief research statements from staff-sponsored applicants as selected by a small panel and are made for a duration of 2 weeks up to 3 months. Visitors receive assistance with local accommodation and travel costs and a desk in a shared visitor space. See program description here. Click here to apply.
Overview: The goal of this program is to bring distinguished researchers from around the globe to the Earth & Planets Laboratory to enhance our intellectual environment and research activity through collaboration, scholarship, and fellowship. Senior scientists are welcome for short stays of a month or more to intellectually contribute to campus life: giving a named lecture and/or other seminars, mentoring, sharing research ideas, or using our facilities. They are perfect for portions of a sabbatical or for writing, and when not teaching at the home institution. Awards will be made based on brief research statements from staff-sponsored applicants as selected by a small panel and are made for a duration of 2 weeks up to 3 months. Visitors receive assistance with local accommodation and travel costs and a desk in a shared visitor space. See program description here. Click here to apply.
History: This program grew out of an earlier program called the Tuve Fellowships established at the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism (DTM) by the generosity of former DTM staff members Thomas Aldrich and Erik Hauri in in memory of former director Merle A. Tuve. Tuve served as DTM director from 1946-1966. Among his many scientific accomplishments, he supervised the design of a pressurized Van de Graaff generator, which achieved energies above 4 MeV. He also began construction of a 60-inch cyclotron designed to produce large quantities of radioactive isotopes.
History: This program grew out of an earlier program called the Tuve Fellowships established at the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism (DTM) by the generosity of former DTM staff members Thomas Aldrich and Erik Hauri in in memory of former director Merle A. Tuve. Tuve served as DTM director from 1946-1966. Among his many scientific accomplishments, he supervised the design of a pressurized Van de Graaff generator, which achieved energies above 4 MeV. He also began construction of a 60-inch cyclotron designed to produce large quantities of radioactive isotopes.
Analytical facilities available to postdocs and visitors
Analytical facilities available to postdocs and visitors
Thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS): Thermo-Fisher Triton™ Plus, IsotopX Phoenix™ (coming in late 2025)
Thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS): Thermo-Fisher Triton™ Plus, IsotopX Phoenix™ (coming in late 2025)
Multi-collector inductively coupled mass spectrometery (MC-ICPMS): Nu Plasma II (w/ Plasma III source),
Multi-collector inductively coupled mass spectrometery (MC-ICPMS): Nu Plasma II (w/ Plasma III source),
Laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometery (LA-ICPMS): Cetac/Teledyne Iridia™ Laser (193nm), Thermo-Fisher iCap Qc, Agilent 8900 TripleQuad (coming in late 2025)
Laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometery (LA-ICPMS): Cetac/Teledyne Iridia™ Laser (193nm), Thermo-Fisher iCap Qc, Agilent 8900 TripleQuad (coming in late 2025)
Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS): Ametek Cameca NanoSIMS 50L
Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS): Ametek Cameca NanoSIMS 50L
Gas source stable isotope mass spectrometry: Thermo-Fisher Delta V Plus with Carlo Erba elemental analyzer
Scanning electron miscroscopy (SEM): Zeiss Auriga™ SEM
Scanning electron miscroscopy (SEM): Zeiss Auriga™ SEM
Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA): JOEL Field Emission EPMA
Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA): JOEL Field Emission EPMA
Focussed Ion Beam (FIB): FEI Gallium Plasma FIB
Focussed Ion Beam (FIB): FEI Gallium Plasma FIB
X-ray diffraction, powder and single crystal: Bruker D8 Venture™, Bruker D8 Discover™
X-ray diffraction, powder and single crystal: Bruker D8 Venture™, Bruker D8 Discover™
Raman Spectroscopy: WiTec confocal Raman
Raman Spectroscopy: WiTec confocal Raman
Cathodoluminescence: NewTech Cathodyne™ cathodoluminescence system
Cathodoluminescence: NewTech Cathodyne™ cathodoluminescence system
Experimental Capabilities: Piston cylinder, multi-anvil, diamond anvil, electrical conductivity
Experimental Capabilities: Piston cylinder, multi-anvil, diamond anvil, electrical conductivity
Chemistry Labs: Multiple clean-room facility equipped for all aspects of sample preparation
Chemistry Labs: Multiple clean-room facility equipped for all aspects of sample preparation
Other supporting labs: Optical microscopy, microsampling, rock room, machine shop, electronics lab, diamond cutting and polishing
Other supporting labs: Optical microscopy, microsampling, rock room, machine shop, electronics lab, diamond cutting and polishing