This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/745873500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
What General Information Do I Need to Know About This Position?
Salary: $88,860 (Step 01) to $115,518 (Step 10).
NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.
There is one vacancy; however, this announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies if they become available.
09/05/2023 to 11/01/2023
$88,860 - $115,518 per year
GS 12
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
No
Term - 2 years
Full-time
Excepted
12
No
No
USGS-SAC-23-12101947-MNH-MW
745873500
Open to all qualified candidates who meet the eligibility requirements of the Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. Because this fellowship is a U.S. Government position, preference must be given to U.S. citizens. Citizens of other nations may be considered under certain circumstances, i.e., when there are no qualified U.S. citizen applicants available. In those instances, the USGS may consider making an offer to a non-citizen provided applicable laws and regulations are followed.
Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Research Opportunity #: 22-14. Integrated geophysical and structural analysis to identify 3D critical mineral resources and tectonic context of NE Washington
We seek a Mendenhall postdoctoral researcher to examine the structural geology, geophysics, and critical minerals potential in northeastern Washington State. We solicit proposals that include a multi-faceted approach to constrain the structural controls on critical mineral potential. Northeastern Washington is home to a concentration of metallic-mineral mines, however improved understanding of surface and subsurface geology is required to identify potentially untapped critical mineral resources. Newly acquired high-resolution aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric datasets in northeastern Washington show significant variation in magnetic and radiometric characteristics. Geophysical data help delineate structural controls and magmatic intrusions that promote the formation, emplacement, and alteration of mineral deposits. To clearly identify the three-dimensional nature of mineral systems and deposits and understand the tectonic framework in which they occur, these data require careful analysis with existing and new geologic mapping and structural data. The project is expected to advance three-dimensional mapping of critical mineral resources in Washington State, characterize mineral systems in relation to the geologic, tectonic, and magmatic framework, and conduct modern systematic analysis of mineral systems using innovative research that reduce uncertainties in mineral resource assets. We encourage proposal that will apply new and innovative methods to interpret potential-field and aeroradiometric data in order to illuminate subsurface geology, structure, and possible mineral resources.
This project will include map-based interpretation and forward modeling of new airborne geophysical data, constrained by new and existing gravity, geologic, and structural data collected in the region of interest. While careful analysis of newly acquired high-resolution aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric datasets in the region are an important centerpiece of the project, the postdoctoral researcher is also expected to include a component of new collection and analysis of geologic, geophysical, and structural data from the study area. This may involve lithologic identification, bedding and foliation orientations, fault mapping, ground magnetic transects, or gravity measurements targeted across potential mineralogical features identified in the airborne geophysical surveys. Additionally, sample collection for low-temperature thermochronology, radiometric geochronology, and magnetic/radiometric properties may be useful to identify the time-temperature history across major extensional fault systems or as benchmark inputs into geophysical modeling software.
Geologic mapping in Northeast Washington is of varying detail, and the new airborne magnetic and radiometric survey cover a large region. To maximize efficiency and impact, postdoctoral applicants should identify specific regions and cross sections for sample collection and structural/geophysical analysis that correspond to well exposed and accessible geology as well as mineralogical potential.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Research Advisor(s) early in the application process to discuss project ideas.
Proposed Duty Station: Portland, Oregon
Areas of Ph.D: Geology, geophysics or related fields (candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines but with knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered).
Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: Research Geologist or Research Geophysicist
(This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the occupations stated above. However, other titles may be applicable depending on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The final classification of the position will be made by the Human Resources Specialist.)
Physical/Environmental Demands: Work involves exposure to moderate risks and discomforts, such as those due to:
Key Requirements:
Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?
General Information
The Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to conduct concentrated research in association with USGS scientists, often as a final element to their formal career preparation. The Program also provides: 1) research experiences that enhance the scientific stature and credentials of the Fellows; and 2) scientific expertise to assist in the implementation of the USGS Strategic Plan and the science strategy of its programs. Mendenhall Fellows are expected to publish their results in peer-reviewed scientific outlets.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be considered for these opportunities, candidates must:
(1) have successfully completed a Ph.D. in a field related to the described Research Opportunity no earlier than September 5, 2018 (5 years before the announcement opening date); OR
(2) if close to completion, have all Ph.D. requirements completed and must submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date;
(3) meet the qualification requirements described in the Research Opportunity. The research proposal submitted must demonstrate that the applicant is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties for the specific Research Opportunity.
Start Date and Completion of PhD:
It is anticipated that this position will start no later than March 2025. The person selected must have all PhD requirements completed and MUST submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date. Exceptions may be made for a later start date on a case-by-case basis.
NOTICE TO NON-CITIZENS
Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. A Federal agency is permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position, AND the non-citizen meets the appropriation act and immigration laws. Read the information provided in the following link. If a non-citizen does not meet the appropriation act and immigration laws, then they cannot be considered for this Mendenhall Opportunity. Please contact the person under Agency Contact Information for questions about eligibility and further assistance. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/.
Foreign Education. You must provide proof, if the foreign education determines your qualifications for the position. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if the applicant can show that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide such evidence when applying for Federal jobs. If selected, you will be required to provide official proof that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs .
You must meet all eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Human Resources Office will provide the hiring official with application material for review and consideration. The Research Advisor and/or hiring official will review the application material and contact candidates for interviews as needed. A subject matter expert panel will be convened. If an applicant is chosen for an opportunity and meets the qualification requirements, the Human Resources Office will contact the applicant and make a firm job offer. For Research Opportunities with multiple duty stations, the selection of the official duty station will be made by the USGS.
Applicants must submit the following for each individual Research Opportunity for which they are applying.
Applications should be prepared as follows (preferably in PDF): 1) Research proposal ONLY; 2) Budget estimate; 3) Resume or CV; 4) Educational transcripts; 5) List of literature references cited in the proposal, if applicable; and 6) supporting veterans documentation, if applicable.
Clicking on the "APPLY NOW" button in each Research Opportunity will take applicants to the USAJOBS application for that particular Opportunity. For technical assistance for submitting an application through USAJOBS, contact the HR Specialist listed as the Point of Contact listed in this announcement.
PDF conversion tools are readily available via the Internet. Some examples can be accessed at the following sites: http://www.ps2pdf.com/ http://www.pdf995.com/ Disclaimer: Hypertext links and other references to non-USGS products and services are provided for information only and do not constitute endorsement or warranty, express or implied, by the USGS, DOI, or U.S. Government, as to their suitability, content, usefulness, functioning, completeness, or accuracy. In addition, documents that do not easily lend themselves to conversion may be faxed. Contact the appropriate Human Resources Office to make arrangements.
If a complete application package is not submitted, the applicant will not be considered for the position. Requests for deadline extensions will not be granted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the successful conveyance of the application package. Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail upon receipt. Application packages must be received by 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time) on the closing date of the announcement. It is against the law to submit applications for employment using Government paid postage envelopes or mail services (18 USC 1719). Such application packages will not be considered. Application material will not be returned.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
If an applicant is chosen for an opportunity and meets the qualification requirements, the Human Resources Office will contact the applicant and make a firm job offer.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/745873500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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