Grading

GIA Now Accepting Liddicoat Fellowship Applications

GradingJan 05, 2017

GIA Now Accepting Liddicoat Fellowship Applications

Qualified candidates can apply for the research fellowships at the Gemological Institute of America’s Carlsbad and New York campuses.

Carlsbad, Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America is inviting qualified candidates to apply for Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at its Carlsbad, California and New York campuses.


Karen Smit, a postdoctoral researcher from 2014 to 2016 and current research scientist, uses a scanning electron microscope to image a sample’s shape or composition and see the internal growth structure of diamond. (Photo credit: Jian Xin (Jae) Liao/GIA.)
The Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research Associate Fellowship program was created in 2014 in honor of GIA’s former president.

Research fellows conduct independent publishable research and are strongly encouraged to collaborate with GIA scientists as well as outside research institutions and universities, the GIA said.

These one- to two-year fellowships encourage early career scientists to pursue full-time academic research in mineralogy, geology, physics, materials science or other fields related to gemology. The GIA tailors the specific focus of the program to each fellow’s interest, expertise and the needs of its research laboratories.

“Our postdoctoral fellows have the opportunity to conduct research that focuses on fundamental scientific problems in diamond geology, defect physics and synthesis,” said Wuyi Wang, director of research and development. “GIA’s fellowship program provides unique access to some of the most specialized resources and researchers related to diamonds and other gems.”

The fellowship includes a competitive annual stipend, research funding and travel subsidies for approved offsite research work. Benefits include full health, dental and vision insurance and the potential reimbursement of relocation expenses.

Though the start date of each fellowship is flexible, accepted candidates should begin by Jan. 31, 2018.

Applicants also must have received their Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date, preferably within the last three years.

The deadline for applications is April 30. For more information about the application process, the fellowships or the GIA’s current and past research areas, visit the GIA website.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

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