Hydrogen Postdoctoral Associate II

Summary

Job Summary

The Geochemistry and Geomicrobiology Lab, led by Professor Alexis Templeton, investigates the reactions that occur between fluids and mafic and ultramafic rocks, in the presence and absence of microbial organisms. The Geochemistry and Geomicrobiology Lab is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to expand field and laboratory-based investigations of mineral hydration and oxidation reactions that produce hydrogen gas. This will include the spectroscopic and mineralogical characterization of Fe-bearing rocks reacted with natural fluids. Research will also include fieldwork in deep well systems to quantify the flux of hydrogen and the combined geochemical and biological processes contributing to the production and consumption of gases.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The University of Colorado at Boulder is ideally suited to the study of geological sciences. At the junction of the high plains and the Rocky Mountains, the Boulder area represents a natural outdoor laboratory where you can study geological features of all ages in diverse settings, and observe earth processes firsthand. Fieldwork in the Rocky Mountain region is an essential part of instruction and research.

The department considers the diverse opportunities for field studies a particular strength of its undergraduate programs. In addition, the department has research laboratories for studying rock and mineral deformation, soils, sedimentation, geo-microbial processes, petrology, and mineralogy.

Responsibilities

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Laboratory Hydrogen Experiments

• Design and construct water/rock reaction experiments to generate hydrogen
• Quantitative analysis of aqueous chemistry and gas chemistry
• Quantitative imaging of rock chemistry and mineralogy using diffraction, spectroscopic and x-ray methods.
• Quantitative interpretation of geochemical reactions and models
  
  

Field Hydrogen Experiments

• Conduct field work at US and International Sites
• Pumping of fluids from deep boreholes and wells for chemical and biological sample collection
• Design and construct borehole hydrogen monitoring approaches
• Design and trouble-shoot field protocols
• Characterize fluids and gases using chemical and biological methods
• Characterize rocks using diffraction, spectroscopic and x-ray methods
  
  

Collaborate with geologists, geophysicists, geochemists, hydrologists, microbiologists, and engineers engaged in complementary facets of international geological hydrogen projects.

What We Can Offer

$60,000-$65,000/year, this position is expected to begin April 1, 2026.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• PhD degree in Geology/Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field
• At least 2 first-authored, peer-reviewed research publications
• Participation in at least 1 field campaign involving geochemical sampling and analysis
• At least 3 years of experience in lab-based analytical chemistry
• Demonstrated ability to analyze the composition of fluids, gases and rocks
  
  

What You Will Need

• The responsibilities for this position require initiative, creativity, and a positive attitude towards technical details and problem solving
• Interest in conducting field-based and laboratory-based research
• Excellent analytical chemistry skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Collaborative work ethic.
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team.
  
  

What We Would Like You To Have

• Research experience in geochemistry, geomicrobiology, mineralogy, and/or petrology.
• Experience in setting up water/rock reaction experiments at varying temperatures
• Direct experience in measuring the production of gases such as hydrogen (e.g. gas chromatography and gas sensors)
• Experience in the quantitative analysis of dissolved chemical species (e.g. UV-VIS, ICP-MS/OES, IC)
• Experience in the quantitative characterization of rock mineralogy using bulk and spatially-resolved techniques (e.g. XRD, XCT, electron-microprobe, XRF, mossbauer)
• Experience with data archival/preservation, data processing, and data analysis
• Proficiency with a programming language for data analysis (e.g. R or Python), as well as experience with a variety of other programming, scripting, and lab-automation environments.
• Published works related to water-rock reactiona, serpentinization, geological hydrogen production, and/or subsurface microbial communities
  
  

Special Instructions

To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Reference Letter(s) (Not Confidential)
• Optional: Transcripts / Proof of Degree
  
  

Please apply by December 16, 2025 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs .

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.