The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University located in Palisades, New York, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist position focusing on mineral carbonation in natural basalt reservoirs.  Based on recent successes in on-land pilot projects, offshore basalts may offer large-scale repositories to safely store CO₂ and combat climate change.  Research is needed to assess CO₂ storage capacities, monitor injection and mineralization, and develop effective long-term monitoring methods.

This postdoctoral researcher will work collaboratively with Lamont-Doherty researchers and other University and National Laboratory partners in ongoing projects to advance understanding for CO₂ injection and monitoring.  Activities may include:

• Investigating transport controls on mineral carbonation in fractured basalts and the injection stability of CO₂ and seawater in reactive subsurface systems.
• Using numerical models to assess the fate of CO₂ injected in basalt reservoir.
• Integrating laboratory information, carbonate precipitation kinetics, and site-specific to train reactive transport models.
• Develop new approaches for effective in situ monitoring of mineral carbonation.
• Work towards field-scale implementation of CO₂ storage demonstration projects in basalt reservoirs. 

Candidates should have completed or be nearing completion of a Ph.D. in geosciences, petroleum engineering, geochemistry, or related disciplines, and have demonstrated competence in modeling geological reservoir systems, fluid dynamics in porous media, and/or machine learning.  Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, independent judgement, and demonstrated ability to conduct and publish high-quality research are required.

Prior work with carbon mineralization is desirable, as well as an understanding of geochemical and fluid processes involved with mafic rock systems.  Prior experience with reservoir simulators that model multiphase flow of CO₂ and brines is advantageous.  

The search will remain open for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will continue until the position is filled.  

Tentative start date is January 1, 2024, with some flexibility.  Appointment will be for one year, with continuation dependent on available funding and research progress.  

Columbia University benefits accompany this Officer of Research appointment.  

The Lamont campus values diversity and inclusion, and encourages applications from members of underrepresented minority groups.  

Starting salary: $66,000

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact David Goldberg (goldberg@LDEO.columbia.edu) to discuss the position before applying.  

We accept online applications only.  

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

About Columbia University

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