Postdoctoral Research Associate, School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources

The postdoctoral scholar will conduct research into hyperspectral imaging of geological and mining materials, including collection and analysis of laboratory and remotely sensed hyperspectral data; geological ground-truth measurements; development and testing of novel sensor equipment; and integration with other data types. Duties include working with students, writing and contributing to publications and proposals, and contributing to development of educational materials.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research into hyperspectral imaging of geological and mining materials. This includes but is not limited to collecting hyperspectral imaging and related remote sensing data; data processing and analysis; and design and testing of new sensor types and combinations.
• Write and assist with publications and proposals. The overall objective is to help create a sustainable, externally funded research program around remote sensing applied to mining and geological materials. May involve collaboration with other departments such as Geosciences, Biosystems Engineering, Environmental Science, and others.
• Work with and train graduate and undergraduate students. This will include training students to collect and analyze remote sensing data in field and laboratory settings; acquire and process airborne and satellite remote sensing datasets; ground-truth remote sensing data; analyze geological samples via petrography, geochemistry, and hand sample analysis; and other tasks as appropriate.
• Contribute to education and training around hyperspectral imaging of geological and mining materials. This includes developing and delivering guest lecture and laboratory exercises in graduate and undergraduate classes, helping teach professional development exercises, and developing standard operating and troubleshooting procedures for remote sensing equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Geological characterization via hand sample and petrographic examination.
• Visible to shortwave infrared spectral and image analysis of rocks, minerals, and mining related materials.
• Technical writing.

• Ph.D. in geosciences, remote sensing, or a closely related field. Selected candidate must have Ph.D. conferred upon hire.
• Previous experience collecting and working with hyperspectral imaging data at multiple spatial scales from laboratory to satellite.

• Demonstrate familiarity with overall geology of southwestern United States.
  
• Experience in ore deposits geology and exploration.
• Experience with SEM, EPMA, XRD, and other instrumentation supporting geological, mining, and mineralogical studies.