Hi everyone, If you are looking for a postdoctoral position, please see below: PIs: Christopher Gorski and Peter Heaney, Penn State University, University Park, PA Period: A 2+-year post-doc, starting as soon as reasonably possible. Topic: Thermodynamics and redox reactivity of birnessite The overarching aim of this NSF-funded project is to advance the fundamental understanding of electron transfer reactions at mineral-water interfaces. The work specifically focuses on the manganese oxide, birnessite, which is known to oxidize environmental contaminants. The project will have two main tasks: (1) to thoroughly characterize the thermodynamic properties of birnessite and (2) to investigate the quantitative relationships that exist among birnessite properties, solution chemistry, and contaminant oxidation rates. In pursuit of this goal, we will quantify the thermodynamic properties of birnessite specimens having a range of elemental compositions and Mn oxidation states using a novel combination of mediated electrochemical, spectroscopic, and diffraction analyses. Rigorously characterized birnessite samples will then be reacted with four model compounds that have previously been proposed to have different rate-determining steps in their oxidation pathways. This project will involve manganese oxide syntheses and characterization, electrochemical measurements, spectroscopic analyses, HPLC measurements, and analytical measurements. Experience with manganese oxides, electrochemistry, and/or pollutant fate measurements is desirable, but not required. If you are interested, please contact Prof. Chris Gorski - [gorski@psu.edu] - with a copy of your CV along with contact information for references. Dr. Peter J. Heaney Professor of Mineral Sciences Dept. of Geosciences 540 Deike Building Penn State University University Park, PA 16802 Phone: 814-865-6821 Fax: 814-863-7823