Postdoctoral Scholar — AI Researcher for Critical Mineral Discovery
Research Scope
Develop stochastic and ensemble inversion frameworks that jointly assimilate muon flux, seismic (active-source, passive, DAS), magnetics, gravity, and EM data into 3D subsurface property models with calibrated uncertainty.
Forward modeling, sensor placement optimization, and inversion of cosmic-ray muon attenuation data from borehole and surface detectors to constrain ore body density at depth.
Apply deep generative models, geostatistical priors, and physics-informed neural networks to regional-to-deposit-scale targeting and resource estimation. Build pipelines that respect geological process constraints rather than purely data-driven correlations.
Extend Mineral-X’s intelligent agent framework to sequential data acquisition decisions (drill hole placement, geophysical survey design) that maximize information value per dollar.
Required Qualifications
- PhD (fully completed, and within 4 years of graduation) in physics, applied physics, geophysics, computational earth sciences, machine learning, applied mathematics, or related field.
- Strong Python proficiency (NumPy, PyTorch or JAX, scientific stack); experience with HPC, GPU computing, and reproducible research workflows.
- Track record of publishing in peer-reviewed venues and willingness to engage directly with industry collaborators and field data.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated research output in at least two of: geophysical inversion, Bayesian/probabilistic methods, deep learning, particle physics detection, or seismic imaging.
- Experience with muon transport simulation (GEANT4, CORSIKA), distributed acoustic sensing, or full-waveform inversion.
- Familiarity with mineral systems, ore deposit geology, or exploration workflows.
- Prior work with diffusion models, normalizing flows, or generative models.
Terms & Application
- Term: Three years, fully funded.
- Competitive Stanford postdoctoral salary plus medical, dental, vision, and conference travel support.
- Location: Stanford, CA.
- Periodic travel to industry partner sites and field programs.
- Start: Preferably Aug 1, 2026
- Salary: $80,000 - $90,000