Postdoctoral opportunity in non-classical crystal growth and Nanogeosciences, University of Chile-Virginia Tech

The Department of Mining Engineering at University of Chile (Santiago de Chile) in conjunction with the Department of Geosciences at Virginia Tech (USA) is seeking a candidate to apply to the Postdoctoral call that will be soon opened by the Chilean Ministry of Science and Education. This is a competitive national call opened to both national and international scientist.

Requirements include a Ph.D. in Geosciences, Chemistry, Physics or related areas, strong organizational, quantitative data analysis and English writing skills. Proficiency in Spanish is not required but the selected candidate is expected to be fluent in Spanish along the 2 years postdoc. Familiarity with at least one of the following techniques is expected: HRTEM (and other electron microscopy techniques), synchrotron radiation techniques (e.g., total X-ray scattering, EXAFS, XANES, …) and/or mass spectrometry (previous knowledge in the use of ESI-MS/MS techniques will be highly appreciated).

The main section of the research project will be completed in Santiago although the selected candidate is expected to perform short research stays at Virginia Tech to do some collaborative works with Professors Michel Hochella and Marc Michel (http://www.geochem.geos.vt.edu/environano/welcome.html). The successful applicant will perform laboratory experiments to study the role of inorganic polymers as precursors in the growth of nanominerals (particularly schwertmannite) by non-classical crystallization pathways. Opportunities will also be provided for developing independent projects within the Mining Engineering Department as well as mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students and co-teaching.

Expected terms for this position are 2 years beginning October 1^st, annual salary = 18,000,000 pesos (approx. 35,000 US$), accommodation in the new country (flight, housing, …) = 3,000,000 pesos (approx. 5,000 US$) and associated research money for the post-doc = 4,500,000 pesos (approx. 8,000 US$) per year.

Applications should be submitted by email as a single pdf to Dr. Manuel Caraballo (mcaraballo@ing.uchile.cl or manuelac@vt.edu) and include: (1) a concise curriculum vitae, (2) a publication list, (3) a statement describing past research experience and interests (no more than 1 page), and (4) the names and contact information of a minimum of three individuals who can provide a letter of reference. Application dead line for the national call is expected by May 15^th, so interested candidates are encourage to contact Dr. Manuel Caraballo as soon as possible.