#GIA Postdoctoral Research Fellowship & Internship Opportunities

From Press Release

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships & Internships

Opportunities available at GIA California and New York

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 on fundamental scientific problems in gemstone geology, defect physics and diamond synthesis; and other fields related to gemology – the study of diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls and their treatments. A paid research internship program is also available for students pursuing a Bachelor or Master of Science degree in related fields.

Karen Smit, a postdoctoral researcher for GIA from 2014-2016, is a research scientist at GIA. She is using a Scanning Electron Microscope to image a sample's shape or composition and see the internal growth structure of diamond. Photo by Jian Xin (Jae) Liao/GIA.

 “GIA’s fellowship and internship programs provide unique opportunities for researchers to fully perform specialized research in their areas of interest and expertise,” said Dr. Wuyi Wang, vice president of research and development for GIA. “Researchers are given full access to in-house research instruments and information including 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.”

The start date of each fellowship is flexible, but accepted candidates should begin the program by Jan. 31, 2019. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date, and preferably within the last three years. Candidates should be willing to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

The fellowship includes a competitive annual stipend, 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.

The internship program is a paid one-to-two month period working on an agreed-upon project focused on a specific gemology topic. Work will include using instruments, analysis and data processes to determine a conclusion by the end of the internship. Interns will receive ongoing mentoring from experienced GIA scientists and gemologists.

Fellowship applications are due by April 30, 2018 and must include curriculum vitae with a publications list, a three-to-five page research proposal and at least two letters of reference. Internship applications are due by May 31, 2018. National and international students are welcome to apply for either program. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For more information about the application process, the Liddicoat Postdoctoral Fellowships, the research internship program, GIA’s facilities and current and past research projects visit GIA.edu/research-careers.

The Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and the internship program are funded by the GIA endowment fund.

There have been a total of six current and former research associates who have been part of the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. The opportunities offered in this program makes advanced research attainable for early scientists. Former GIA Postdoctoral Research Fellow Evan Smith and coauthors published a cover story in the December issue of Science magazine on the origins of big diamonds and what those diamonds tell us about the earth’s mantle.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.GIA.edu.