Mendenhall Program: Energy and Minerals-related opportunities
Mendenhall opportunities associated with energy and mineral resources are now available! Please see individual opportunity information for closing dates.
It is anticipated that these positions will start no later than March 2026. The person selected must have all PhD requirements completed and MUST submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date. Exceptions may be made for a later start date on a case-by-case basis.
Please send general inquiries to the Mendenhall Program email box: mendenhall@usgs.gov
23-06. From rock to resource—Characterizing the subsurface extent of the Stillwater Complex and evaluating its potential for critical minerals, carbon storage, and geologic hydrogen
We seek a Mendenhall Fellow to conduct a geologic and geophysical study of the subsurface extent of the Stillwater Complex in Montana. This project is motivated by the possibility that buried rocks may represent a large capacity for in-situ hydrogen generation and/or carbon mineralization and storage, as well as a significant resource of critical minerals.
23-09. Application of noble gas geochemistry to understanding geologic hydrogen and helium resources
We are seeking a Mendenhall Fellow to investigate the geochemistry of noble gases in near subsurface environments to develop techniques for exploration of natural hydrogen and helium resources.
23-04. Evaluation of oilfield brine lithium commodity resources of the Paradox and Williston basins
Waters co-extracted with oil and gas, i.e., produced water, represent a major waste stream associated with the petroleum industry. There is much interest in recovery of critical minerals, e.g., lithium (Li), from these wastewaters. In this research opportunity, proposals are solicited to explore the Li resource potential in produced waters from the Paradox and Williston Basins.
23-03. Origins, provenance, critical, and industrial mineral resource studies of Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain sediments
The Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center seeks a postdoctoral researcher to investigate heavy mineral sands in fluvial and coastal marine environments.
23-05. Modeling of subsurface multiphase fluid flow for the energy transition
We are seeking a Mendenhall fellow to develop methods for simulating multiphase fluid flow during geologic storage of anthropogenic carbon dioxide as well as for geologic energy storage options. A successful candidate will develop novel models to aid in assessing potential subsurface storage resources to help evaluate ways to meet U.S. energy transition goals.
23-07. Dating the petrologic evolution responsible for Li-rich pegmatites
Lithium (Li), a critical mineral commodity important for clean energy technology, occurs in enigmatic pegmatites distributed across the United States. This Mendenhall Opportunity aims to contribute new information about the petrologic history leading to Li-rich pegmatites in the United States by applying a combination of high-spatial resolution geochronology, petrochronology, and thermochronology.
23-08. Geologic and engineering factors driving greenhouse gas emissions from orphan wells and their associated impacts on air and water quality through time
Orphan wells are legacy infrastructure from historical oil and gas drilling in the U.S. that pose risks to groundwater, the environment, and emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This research opportunity combines geospatial analysis, field studies, and remote sensing to better understand the geologic sources and engineering factors that govern methane emissions and support remediation.