Postdoctoral position in experimental geochemistry and mineralogy for mineral resources (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the framework of the PEPR Sous-Sol project ORGMET conducted by a consortium of four French laboratories GET, INEEL/ESRF, LFCR and IPREM (https://www.soussol-bien-commun.fr/fr/appel-projets-2024/orgmet-role-du-carbone-organique-dans-formation-des-ressources-des-metaux ). The project aims to address one of the major questions of mineral resources – the role of organic carbon (including oil, shale, bitumen, and graphite) in the formation and subsequent evolution of strategic metal sulfide deposits in sedimentary basins.
The candidate will assure an essential part of the experimental work package of the project (WP1), devoted to an integrated in-situ study of reactions between the metal-bearing hydrothermal fluid and organic carbon. The task will implement an innovative methodology integrating in-situ spectroscopy and physicochemical modeling. Through the development and combination of the different tools for Raman and synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy (diamond-anvil cells, fused silica capillaries, and hydrothermal reactors), the solubility, molecular speciation, and reaction rates of sulfur, carbon and metals will be obtained. Coupling with other in-situ methods will bring additional quantitative constrains on the abundance and stability of aqueous species in the hydrothermal fluid.
The new data will be transposed to the contexts of sedimentary and hydrothermal-magmatic deposits of strategic metals in the Pyrenees. Using the synergy between physics, chemistry and geosciences, we expect to establish new geochemical tracers of metal sources, deposition mechanisms, rates, and location, for quantifying the true role of organic carbon in georesources formation. During the work in the interdisciplinary environment of ORGMET, the postdoctoral fellow will interact closely with the partner laboratories in Toulouse, Grenoble, Pau, and abroad that have complementary expertise and facilities.

Activity

The postdoctoral researcher will carry out a major part of the experimental work for WP1 of the project, which aims to study the reactions between metal-bearing hydrothermal fluid and organic carbon. He or she will implement an innovative methodology combining in situ spectroscopy and physicochemical modeling. He or she will use various Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy tools (diamond anvil cells, fused silica capillaries, and hydrothermal reactors), as well as solubility and kinetic measurements, to determine the molecular speciation and reaction rates between sulfur, carbon, and metals in the hydrothermal fluid.

Your Profil

Skills

Applicants should hold, by the time of their application, a PhD degree in geology (including (bio)geochemistry, mineralogy/crystallography or experimental/isotope geochemistry/petrology), chemistry, physics or materials sciences. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with experience in spectroscopy and analytical chemistry who enjoys experimental, analytical and modeling work. The candidate should have a sufficient background in aqueous/inorganic chemistry and thermodynamics. Knowledge of organic chemistry would be an advantage. Preference will be given to young candidates (with post-PhD experience 1-4 years), but exceptional more experienced candidates could also be considered. The candidate should have a good command of English. While knowledge of French is not mandatory at start, the postdoc would be expected to learn spoken and written French during the employment.

Your Work Environment

The postdoctoral researcher will be hired as part of the ORGMET project under the PEPR Sous-Sol program, led by a consortium of four French laboratories: GET, INEEL/ESRF, LFCR, and IPREM (https://www.soussol-bien-commun.fr/fr/appel-projets-2024/orgmet-role-du-carbone-organique-dans-formation-des-ressources-des-metaux). The postdoctoral researcher will work at GET (www.get.obs-mip.fr) under the supervision of Dr. G. Pokrovski, within the interdisciplinary ORGMET environment, in collaboration with partner laboratories in Toulouse, Grenoble, Pau, and abroad that possess complementary tools. Short-term visits to these laboratories are possible.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

between €3,041 and €4,216 gross per month, depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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