Penn State University
Postdoctoral Scholar in Crustal Evolution
Penn State University, University Park, Texas, United States
Postdoctoral Scholar in Crustal Evolution
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Application Instructions
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) – please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not previously employed at the university) – please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here.
IF YOU ARE NOT A CURRENT EMPLOYEE OR STUDENT – click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
Position Specifics A Postdoctoral Research Position is available starting January 1, 2026, in the Department of Geosciences at The Pennsylvania State University. The Postdoctoral Scholar will join a Penn State research team investigating the origin and evolution of Earth’s lower continental crust. The Postdoctoral Scholar will undertake fieldwork and apply mass spectrometry (U‑Pb petrochronology) and thermodynamic (phase equilibria, conventional thermobarometry, single‑phase solution thermometry) to constrain the metamorphic evolution of exhumed metasedimentary lower crust.
The candidate for this position should have a strong working knowledge of isotope mass spectrometry, ideally including laser ablation ICPMS methods, as well as fieldwork in high‑grade metamorphic terranes and the application of thermobarometric methods to metamorphic systems. Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience in these techniques or with research into similar topics and in quantitative data analysis. Research experience and communication skills necessary for working in interdisciplinary, multi‑institutional, and international teams is an advantage. Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. (or completed all the requirements by the time of appointment) in a relevant field (geochemistry and/or petrology, analytical chemistry) and demonstrated effective writing skills through high‑quality reports and publications.
The successful candidate will be welcomed into an active community of solid‑earth researchers at Penn State. The Postdoctoral Scholar will work under the primary supervision of Andy Smye, will have opportunities to undertake fieldwork in Europe and will interact with the national and international scientific community at conferences and meetings. This is a 2‑year appointment from the date of hire.
Application review will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Interested applicants should upload the following as a single PDF: (i) a cover letter detailing scientific interests, qualifications, future goals, and availability, and (ii) a CV including contact information for three references and links to publications and manuscript drafts. For additional information, please contact Dr. Andy Smye (smye@psu.edu).
Background Checks/Clearances Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Benefits Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
EEO Is the Law Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Application Instructions
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) – please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not previously employed at the university) – please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here.
IF YOU ARE NOT A CURRENT EMPLOYEE OR STUDENT – click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
Position Specifics A Postdoctoral Research Position is available starting January 1, 2026, in the Department of Geosciences at The Pennsylvania State University. The Postdoctoral Scholar will join a Penn State research team investigating the origin and evolution of Earth’s lower continental crust. The Postdoctoral Scholar will undertake fieldwork and apply mass spectrometry (U‑Pb petrochronology) and thermodynamic (phase equilibria, conventional thermobarometry, single‑phase solution thermometry) to constrain the metamorphic evolution of exhumed metasedimentary lower crust.
The candidate for this position should have a strong working knowledge of isotope mass spectrometry, ideally including laser ablation ICPMS methods, as well as fieldwork in high‑grade metamorphic terranes and the application of thermobarometric methods to metamorphic systems. Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience in these techniques or with research into similar topics and in quantitative data analysis. Research experience and communication skills necessary for working in interdisciplinary, multi‑institutional, and international teams is an advantage. Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. (or completed all the requirements by the time of appointment) in a relevant field (geochemistry and/or petrology, analytical chemistry) and demonstrated effective writing skills through high‑quality reports and publications.
The successful candidate will be welcomed into an active community of solid‑earth researchers at Penn State. The Postdoctoral Scholar will work under the primary supervision of Andy Smye, will have opportunities to undertake fieldwork in Europe and will interact with the national and international scientific community at conferences and meetings. This is a 2‑year appointment from the date of hire.
Application review will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Interested applicants should upload the following as a single PDF: (i) a cover letter detailing scientific interests, qualifications, future goals, and availability, and (ii) a CV including contact information for three references and links to publications and manuscript drafts. For additional information, please contact Dr. Andy Smye (smye@psu.edu).
Background Checks/Clearances Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Benefits Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
EEO Is the Law Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
#J-18808-Ljbffr