Postdoctoral Scholar, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology

The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology at the University of Nevada, Reno invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Scholar position focused on research into the links between magmatism and mineral deposit genesis within Nevada.

Magmatic systems within Nevada are associated with a number of different critical mineral-bearing mineral systems (e.g. iron oxide apatite (IOA)-iron oxide copper gold (IOCG), porphyry Cu-Mo-Au, Carlin-type Sb-Au, epithermal Au-Ag, carbonate replacement and skarn Zn-Pb-Au-Ag). This project will elucidate the links between magmatism, the tectonic evolution of Nevada, and the genesis of this wide range of critical metal-bearing mineral systems. The postdoctoral researcher will compile extant geochemical and zircon U-Pb, trace and rare earth element (TREE) and isotopic (e.g. Lu-Hf) data for evolved intrusions within Nevada in addition to the targeted generation of new whole-rock geochemical and zircon U-Pb age, TREE, and Lu-Hf isotopic data for selected areas within the state that lack these data but are known to be related to individual mineral systems. The resulting whole-rock geochemical and zircon trace and rare earth element data will provide a basis for understanding the links between intrusions of different compositions and ages and individual mineral deposits and mining camps. The zircon TREE and Lu-Hf data will also be used to provide insights into metallogeny-related changes in magmatism, such as changes in magma fertility and oxidation state. The latter has been identified as a major control on the style of mineralization from east to west across the Great Basin, going from oxidized Cu porphyry-prospective intrusions into Utah to more Au prospective intrusions associated with systems like Phoenix and Carlin-type mineralization present in northern Nevada. These data will directly help delineate prospective areas for critical mineral exploration within the Great Basin as well as enhancing the knowledge of the genetic links between intrusive activity and critical mineral metallogeny within Nevada, delineating new target areas for mineral exploration in the state, and provide a comprehensive database of intrusion-related data for Nevada and the wider Great Basin.

Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in Geology

• Completion of a doctoral degree in the appropriate discipline is required.
• The doctoral degree must have been completed within the five years immediately preceding the first date of appointment as a postdoctoral fellow at the University.
• The individual cannot have held previous positions in the professional ranks.

 Compensation Grade: Postdoctoral Scholar, Salary ($65,000)
To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules. Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.

Department Information: NBMG is a research and public service unit of UNR and serves as the state geological survey of Nevada. Managed as part of the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering in the College of Science at UNR, NBMG functions as both an academic unit and statewide agency and the principal scientists within the Bureau are tenure-track faculty members. Nevada is one of the most exciting regions in the world to conduct research in the geosciences and one of the best in the U.S. for the study of mineral deposits. The successful applicant will have access to many state-of-the-art facilities at UNR, including a new electron microprobe, two SEMs, new fluid-inclusion and Raman facilities, and more.  For further information about NBMG, please consult our website (http://www.nbmg.unr.edu).

This job posting will close at 11:59pm PDT on May 20, 2026.

For more information, and to apply, please visit: https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UNR-external/job/University-of-Nevada-Reno—Main-Campus/Postdoctoral-Scholar–Nevada-Bureau-of-Mines-and-Geology_R0151544

EEO/AA. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.