Postdoc Research Associate
Job Description: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) invites qualified candidates to apply for the Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at its Carlsbad, California, and New York City locations. The one-to-two-year fellowships encourage early career scientists to pursue full-time academic research into fundamental scientific problems in gemstone geology, defect physics diamond synthesis, and other fields related to gemology – the study of diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, and their treatments. In-house research tools include FTIR, UV-Vis-NIR absorption, Raman, photoluminescence, and EPR spectrometers, an SEM microscope equipped with EDS and CL spectroscopy and imaging, laser ablation ICP-MS, and a CVD diamond growth lab with laser cutting and polishing facilities. Fellows are expected to conduct creative, independent, publishable research and collaborate with GIA scientists as well as outside research institutions and universities. The fellowship includes a competitive annual stipend ($73,000+), research funding, and approved travel subsidies. Benefits include full health, dental and vision insurance, and the potential reimbursement of relocation expenses. Appointments are for one year and may be extended for a second based on mutual agreement.
The start date of each fellowship is flexible. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date, and preferably within the last three years. Effective oral and written English skills and the ability to publish high-level scientific articles are required. Candidates should be willing to travel domestically and internationally as needed
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Primarily conduct focused research into fundamental scientific problems related to mineralogy, crystallography, geochemistry and gemology of diamonds; various type of colored gem stones (corundum, beryl, spinel, garnet, quartz); pearls; and possibly related gem-instrument development. Diamond research includes fundamental scientific problems in diamond geology, diamond physics and synthetic diamond growth mechanisms, and other scientific problems related to gemology. The specific focus of the research will depend on the applicant’s interests, expertise, and the needs of GIA research and the laboratory
• Performs analysis utilizing spectrometers, chemical analysis, X-ray imaging systems, and other research tools • Presentation and publication of research results in international conference and academic journals, internally and externally
• Additional daily activities may involve assisting with data collection and interpretation • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned or required Technical Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):
• Ability to communicate with scientific staff and prepare written scientific articles for publication in English
• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally as needed are strongly desired
• Through agreement between the business and the candidate, this position may be based in either New York or Carlsbad.
Education and Experience:
• Ph.D. in scientific field from accredited college or university, preferably within the last 3 years Relevant proposal for research work Effective communication in English with scientific and production staff
• The ability to prepare written scientific articles for publication, and a willingness to travel domestically or internationally as needed are strongly desired
Applications are due by April 15, 2026, and must include:
Curriculum vitae with a publications list
A three-to-five-page research proposal
At least two letters of reference
Incomplete applications will not be considered. For more information about the application process, the Liddicoat Postdoctoral Fellowships, GIA’s facilities, and current and past research areas visit GIA.edu/research-careers
All applications will be reviewed after this deadline date. Applicants moving forward in the interview process will receive an update regarding their application by the end of April 2026.
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY
You will need to submit the following information below in order to be considered:
• Curriculum vitae with a publications list
• Three-to-five-page research proposal. The proposal submitted should be the research project the Researcher would like to focus on within the gemological field. There is no required format or length for the research proposal.
• Email at least two letters of reference to be emailed to careersatgia@gia.edu to the attention of Sally Magana, Sr. Manager, Identification. Upon initial application, you will be prompted to upload your Curriculum Vitae with a publications list, first. When you reach the "My Experience" section, please use the "Upload" button (towards the bottom of the web page) to attach the Research Proposal. You may upload as many documents as you wish with a 5 MB max per document. Please note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please contact careersatgia@gia.edu with any application issues.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.
