Postdoctoral Fellow in Earth and Planetary Sciences- Zircon Isotope Geochemistry (Drabon Lab) in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Harvard University

The laboratory of Dr. Nadja Drabon in Harvard’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position to investigate early crust formation and evolution using Hadean to Paleoarchean zircons from the Green Sandstone Bed in the Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa.

The project will focus primarily on Hf and Si isotope analyses of zircon, supported by complementary geochemical data. The broader goal is to understand the processes responsible for early felsic crust formation and the evolution of Earth’s earliest crust.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative research program involving zircon geochemistry, early Earth evolution, and the geological record of the Barberton Greenstone Belt. The position offers opportunities to develop expertise in isotope geochemistry, contribute to a major new dataset on Hadean zircons, and participate in the preparation of publications and conference presentations.

The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of annual renewal up to five years, contingent upon satisfactory performance, continued funding, research needs, and required approvals.

1.Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in geoscience, geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, or a related field by the appointment start date and haveexperience with zircon analytical work. Experience with zircon isotope analyses is particularly important.

2. Demonstrated record of research achievement.

3. Strong written and oral communication skills.

4. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Experience with Perple_X or related thermodynamic and geochemical modeling would be an advantage, but is not required.

Interested candidates should submit:

Please also provide the names and contact information of three professional references. References will receive a system-generated request to upload a recommendation letter.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The start date is flexible, potentially as early as January 2027, although summer or fall 2027 would also be possible.

For more information, please contact Nadja Drabon at ndrabon@g.harvard.edu.

Please note: This position is contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance.

Nadja Drabon
20 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

$67,600

land, climate, atmosphere